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Sikeston Jaycees prep for rodeo, parade and mutton bustin’ event
SIKESTON — The second annual Mutton Bustin’ and the annual Sikeston Jaycee Rodeo Parade will kick off Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Week this weekend.
Following the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, the Mutton Bustin’ competition will take place at noon at the Sikeston Depot Museum.
Ethan Vasquez, general chairman of the 2023 Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, said last year was the inaugural Mutton Bustin’ event, which will return with bigger sheep this year.
“We have a really good set of sheep coming in this year,” Vasquez said. “Sixty contests consisting of cowboys and cowgirls will compete, and the top six will compete in the big show.”
The top six finalists will also compete for the Montana Silversmith buckle, according to Vasquez.
Vasquez expressed excitement about making the event even better for the second year and beyond.
“For our first year, I think last year’s event went really well,” Vasquez said. “You know, you live and learn when it comes to putting on an event, especially downtown. We had a great turnout, and it’s good for the kids and the patrons.”
According to Vasquez, the arena at the Depot on Saturday will also be under a tent this year.
Vasquez said registration is $10 per child, but they are no longer taking participation since the event is already filled and there are no more spaces available.
Vasquez noted the candidates range in age from 4 to 7 years old and weigh 70 pounds or less.
The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Parade is an annual event for local residents, and Vasquez said preparations for the parade and 5K are progressing well.
“The parade is shaping up really good as well,” Vasquez said. “The (Almost 5K) Cowboy Shuffle will start off the parade at 9:55 a.m., and it is in honor of Galen Harper.”
Harper was a longtime supporter of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo and a member of the Scott County Sheriff’s posse, according to Vasquez.
The 5K course, said Vasuqeuz, will start at the Sikeston Kindergarten Center and end in front of the Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce on New Madrid Street.
The entry fee is $15 or $20 on the day of the event. Each participant will receive a cowbell on a lanyard and a rally towel, with the top three winners earning prizes such as rodeo tickets and gift cards.
Runners are encouraged to wear rodeo-themed apparel, and participants of all ages are invited to run, stroll or do the cowboy shuffle over the finish line.
Vasquez outlined some of the highlights of this year’s rodeo parade.
“The parade will have the Little Mr. and Mrs. Western winners; this year’s grand marshal, which is the 2022 Art Saunders winner, Kenny Anderson; (rodeo) chairmen; the Jaycee president; a truck load of Jaycees; and more,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez added that the rodeo parade registration is free and open to the public. Registration is required by Friday, Aug. 4, and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Sikeston Kindergarten Center.
Participants in the parade must arrive at the Kindergarten Center by 9 a.m. Saturday, according to Vasquez.