Sikeston to take part in state bicentennial celebration

City of Sikeston workers test out the screen to be used Tuesday in the ice cream social held at American Legion Park. As part of the event, the movie “The Croods: A New Age,” will be shown at dusk.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Medley

Sikeston will be joining communities across the state Tuesday celebrating Missouri’s bicentennial.

Known as Missouri Statehood Day, Tuesday marks 200 years since the Missouri territory became the 24th state to enter the Union. To celebrate, ice cream socials will be held throughout the state.

“We’re very excited to take part in this statewide celebration,” said Kathy Medley, executive vice president of the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development. “It’s an historic event and it’s great to be a part of this bigger celebration.”

Sikeston’s event will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at American Legion Park where free ice cream will be offered. There will also be a chalk art contest, 9 Holes to Go golf, food trucks, Frozen Scoops and More and Abuela’s Mexican Kitchen.

Kids will also be able to enjoy the downtown splash pad.

Registration for the chalk art contest will be from 4-5 p.m. All ages, including adults, are welcome and prizes will be awarded in each age category. The theme will be “Happy 200th Birthday Missouri” and those taking part are asked to bring their own chalk.

At approximately 8:15 p.m., Sikeston Parks and Recreation will show an outdoor movie, “The Croods: A New Age.” The St. Louis Cardinals/Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game will be showing until the movie begins.

Several downtown stores will also have extended hours including DeWitt Embroidery, who will be open until 8 p.m.

“This event will be a nice summer event in Downtown Sikeston, and a great start to rodeo week,” Medley said. “With the kids activities, and the Cardinal game streaming on the big screen, food trucks, the downtown splash pad, there is something for all ages. The chalk art contest is open to adults too. And of course there’s the ice cream. Who doesn’t love ice cream? Especially free ice cream!”

The Charleston Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is also participating in the statewide ice cream social, beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at A.D. Simpson Park in Charleston. There will be free ice cream for the first 350 people, music and other activities.