Historic Downtown Sikeston readies for St. Patrick’s Day Festival on March 11

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Historic Downtown Sikeston returns next weekend, kicking off the first of numerous spring activities in Sikeston.

Jason Davis, executive director of Historic Downtown Sikeston, said the day will begin with Sikeston Parks and Recreation’s annual “1K Donut Dash Fun Run” at 10:30 a.m. followed by the St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11.

Davis said live music at this year’s event would be different from last year’s, and there will be some food vendors.

“The live music is from Callie and Kevin,” Davis said. “We will have the homebrew competition going on; there will be food vendors there and some craft vendors set up.”

Davis said the beer sampling will take place throughout the event

“People will be voting for their favorite one, and there will be a corn hole tournament in the (Sikeston) Depot (Museum) parking lot, and that pretty much sums up the day.”

Davis said the annual festival is one that the community enjoys.

“I think people look forward to just coming out, and it’s kind of the first event of the year, getting out of the winter doldrums — and being able to be outside and be around people and just enjoying the community and the sampling of the homebrews, the live music and entertainment, and good food,” Davis said. “I think that’s why this event is so exciting and everybody looks forward to it, it kind of kicks off the event season.”

Davis explained how the festival is the first of many events that will follow in the next few months, and that’s what makes it exciting.

“Shortly after (the St. Patrick’s Day Festival), you have the rodeo announcements, then you have the crawfish boil, and before you know it, we’re well into the events,” Davis said. “So it’s kind of the first event in our area for the year.”

Brandy Manning, who is one of the co-chairs of the event added that the event is something that the community looks forward to.

“The St. Patricks Day event we feel like kicks off the Downtown Spring events,” said Manning. “Everyone is ready to get out of the house and enjoy being outside.”

Manning continued:

“Its a time of the year that you get to see some people that you haven’t seen since the weather turned cold and gets dark earlier.”

Manning also said what makes the festival so great is that it benefits our community as well.

“People come from several nearby communities to enjoy our downtown events. That in turn makes our events downtown bigger and also makes money for the community.”

Tickets are available for purchase at the HDS building, First State Community Bank and the Sikeston Regional Chamber & Area Economic Development Corporation. The cost is $15, which includes a souvenir mug and a sampling of craft beers. To buy a ticket, individuals must be at least 21 years old.

The rainout date will be March 18 if delayed.

1K Donut Dash Fun Run

The “1K Donut Dash Fun Run” is sponsored by local doughnut shop, Houchin’s Donuts, at Legion Park. The fun and silly event is perfect for families and friends, as well as those who are competitive or below-average athletes.

While strolling or dashing throughout the 1K donut run, those taking part can enjoy a delicious doughnut at the doughnut stations set up every 250 meters. Registration is a $20 non-refundable fee; the deadline is March 11. Check-in and registration will be at the Collins Band Stand from 9:45-10:15 a.m.

Cornhole Tournament

The corn hole tournament is a two-person team, round robin format in Legion Park.

There will be prizes for first, second and third place ($500, $300 and $100). Registration is $50/team and check-in is from 10-10:30 a.m.