- 2024 Hot Air Balloon Festival
- July Fourth festivities in New MadridFireworks reflect in the waters of the Mississippi River along the New Madrid riverfront on Saturday, July 6. The city’s annual fireworks show draws hundreds of visitors to watch the spectacle. New Madrid County residents found a variety of ways to celebrate America’s birthday over the long Fourth of July holiday. weekend.
- Boom, crackle, pop: Sikeston Elks 2024 Firework ShowGina Curtis/Standard Democrat The fireworks display sponsored by the Sikeston Elks is visible in the night sky Thursday, July 4 from the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds. Donations for next year’s show can be mailed to: Sikeston Elks Fireworks; PO Box 931; Sikeston, MO 63801.
- 2024 East Prairie Main Street Party and Tour de CornEast Prairie hosted its annual Main Street Party on Friday, June 21 and Tour de Corn Bike Ride on Saturday, June 22. View the photo gallery at www.standard-democrat.com.
- Serve Sikeston SundayVolunteers for the Sikeston Trailer Brigade joined together for Serve Sikeston Sunday on June 2, 2024, to pick up and remove tree limbs, pass out care packages, toiletries, food, water and more following the EF3 tornado that went through Sikeston on May 26, 2024.
- New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles girls basketball campThe New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles girls basketball camp brought together 21 girls entering first through sixth grade for three days of fun while learning basic skills May 29-31, 2024.
- New Madrid Elementary Field DayNew Madrid Elementary celebrates the end of school with its annual Field Day featuring an array of fun. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)
- Sunday severe weather damage in Sikeston areaSevere thunderstorms and possible tornadoes pushed through the region early Sunday, May 26. There were reports of limbs down, structure damage and power outages in Sikeston, Miner and surrounding areas.
- New Madrid County Central GraduationNew Madrid County Central High School's Class of 2024 were awarded diplomas during graduation May 14, 2024, at the high school gymnasium.
- Portageville High School GraduationThe 48 members of Portageville High School's class of 2024 were awarded diplomas May 9 during the 106th commencement graduation ceremony concluded May 9.
- New Horizons Graduation Ceremony: 5/10/24New Horizons High School hosted a special graduation ceremony Friday, May 10 for its class of 2024 at the Sikeston Alternative Education Center ahead of Sikeston High School's commencement slated for Monday, May 13.
- Sikeston High School Senior Decision Day: 5/10/24Members of Sikeston High School’s class of 2024 participated in “Senior Decision Day” Friday, May 10, 2024, in the high school cafeteria, which also marked their last day of school. The event included several prize giveaways, activities and games as well as photo opportunities for the seniors to declare their decisions for life after high school — whether it be college, the workforce, trade school or the military.
- New Madrid National Day of Prayer: 5/1/24Prayers were offered up for the schools, the communities, the churches and the leaders. There were prayers for America and the world. The National Day of Prayer service at the New Madrid County Courthouse on May 1 brought together all denominations as they offered prayers of hope, guidance, protection and intercession.
- Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site’s 1860s Children’s Day: 5/4/24Children of all ages were invited to the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site’s Children’s Day on May 4, 2024, in New Madrid to learn what life was like in the 1860s by participating in common chores and games of the time period.
- The Swamp East Missouri Truck Show and ConvoyPhotos of the The Swamp East Missouri Truck Show and Convoy at the Complex on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
- 56th Annual Dogwood-Azalea FestivalThe 56th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival was held Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 21 in Charleston, Missouri.
- 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Scenes from around Sikeston, part 2As the total solar eclipse reached totality Monday, April 8, 2024, several guests and residents of the area watched from the "Total Eclipse of the Park" event at Sikeston Sports and Recreation Complex, Veterans Park in Sikeston, Legion Park in Historic Downtown Sikeston and other parts of town.
- 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Scenes from New MadridNew Madrid, Missouri, drew visitors not just from across the country but around the world for the opportunity to view the total solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024, over the Mississippi River.
- 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Scenes from around Sikeston, part 1As the total solar eclipse reached totality Monday, April 8, 2024, several guests of Hampton Inn in Sikeston stayed put and watched from the parking lot while other residents and visitors gathered at Malone Park or Southeast Missouri State University in Sikeston. Students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Sikeston hosted their own celebration from their playground.
- Total Eclipse of the ParkAn estimated 5,000 people gathered Monday, April 8 at the Sikeston Recreation Complex to view the Total Solar Eclipse. People from various states and countries traveled to Sikeston to witness the eclipse during the Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s “Total Eclipse of the Park.” They gathered at the complex for picnics, telescope viewings, food trucks, fishing, mini golf and other activities.
- Pre-eclipse weekend in SikestonSikeston Jaycees hosted a crawfish boil and music festival Saturday, April 6 at the rodeo grounds, and on Sunday, April 7, Sikeston Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted Movie in the Park featuring "E.T. the Extra-Terrestial" at Legion Park in Historic Downtown Sikeston.
- Clayson Anderson Day: 4/5/24The Bell City Cubs baseball team hosted an event to celebrate the life of Clayson Anderson during their game against Puxico Indians Friday, April 5 at the Bell City High School baseball field. There were burgers, hot dogs, raffles and more. All proceeds benefited the Clayson Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
- On the egg hunt at Hunter-DawsonMore than 100 children along with their families turned out on Saturday, March 30 for the annual Easter egg hunt at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid. While the staff at the site spent days filling 1,700 eggs with sweet treats, the youngsters swept across the ground gathering up the eggs in less than 10 minutes.
- Kenny Rogers Children's Telethon-3/16/24The annual Kenny Rogers Children’s Center Telethon was conducted Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Sikeston Field House. There was a pancake breakfast; 5K run/walk; cornhole tournament; kids zone activities, an Easter egg hunt; and a silent auction. By the close of the telethon on Saturday, the total raised was $318,518.
- Historic Downtown Sikeston's St. Patrick's Day FestivalHistoric Downtown Sikeston’s Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival was celebrated Saturday, March 16 at American Legion Park. This year's event included a homebrew competition, 1K donut run, cornhole tournament, costume contest, craft vendors and food. Attendees also received a souvenir mug and sampled craft beer.
- Farm fun at SEMO Christian AcademySEMO Christian Academy students, who range in ages from 3 to 5 years, have been learning about farm animals for the past two weeks, and on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, they got to meet some up close with the help of Jennifer and Nick Layton of Hearts With Hooves. The preschoolers were introduced to a miniature goat, two miniature horses and a steer. Hearts With Hooves facilitates equine-assisted learning with children to build life skills that can transfer into real life.
- Reading Across AmericaKindergarten students at New Madrid Elementary School marked Dr. Seuss’s birthday by creating special hats and listening to guest readers. As part of Reading Across America on March 1, the school hosted a number of guest readers.
- Field House Fan Fun: Sikeston vs. New Madrid boys basketball 2/13/24Fans of both the Sikeston Bulldogs and New Madrid County Central Eagles showed support for their teams during the matchup of the two top-ranked basketball teams Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the Sikeston Field House. Both sides had fun cheering for their teams. Sikeston went on to win, 90-76.
- Riverbend Regional Archery TournamentThe Riverbend Regional Archery Tournament at New Madrid County Central High School and Middle School on Jan. 27, 2024, had more than 250 archers competing for honors. Schools taking part included Cambell, Gideon, New Madrid County, Notre Dame Regional High School, Portageville, St. Ambrose in Chaffee, St. Augustine in Kelso, Holcomb High School and Covington, Tennessee. Portageville earned first place in both bullseye and 3D while New Madrid County High School placed second in 3D and third in Bullseye.
- New Madrid Elementary celebrates ChristmasChristmas Family Fun Night on Dec. 11, 2023, was filled with holiday activities for New Madrid Elementary students and their families to enjoy.
- Sing loud and clear to spread Christmas cheerIt was a full house for Lilbourn Elementary School’s annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 12.
- New Madrid's annual Christmas ParadeThe rain cleared away, and temperatures were mild, creating perfect weather to enjoy New Madrid’s annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
- NMCC Senior NightNew Madrid County Central High School honored those seniors who were members of the football team, cheer squad and band in a special ceremony on Oct. 13.
- Sikeston American Legion Cotton Carnival ParadeThe American Legion Post 114's 79th Annual Cotton Carnival Parade was held Saturday, Sept. 30 as it began at Pine and Main Street and went west on Main Street before ending at Stoddard Street.
- 2023 Benton Neighbor DaysThe Annual Benton Neighbor Days, sponsored by the Benton Chamber of Commerce, were Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2023. Here are some photos from the event.
- 2023 Greenie ParadeThe members of the Red Peppers, the Sikeston High School pep club, hosted their annual Greenie Parade from the Sikeston High School to downtown Sikeston Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, to mark the end of the initiation week for the new members, known as Green Peppers. This year, according to Cayenne Baylee Copeland, there are 95 new members of the pep club. This year also marks the 95th anniversary of the organization.
- LILBOURN HOMECOMING FESTIVALThe Lilbourn Homecoming Festival was held Sept. 2, 2023,
- Annual Blodgett Watermelon FestivalThe annual Blodgett Watermelon Festival was held Saturday, Aug. 26. Attendees enjoyed live music, contests, bounce houses, animals, carriage rides, food, beauty pageant, cash money prizes and more. There was also an inspirational prayer and fireworks display. Submitted Photos
- First day of school at New Madrid Elementary, Aug. 21, 2023Classes began Monday, Aug. 21, for students across New Madrid County. Here are a few scenes from New Madrid Elementary's first day of school.
- Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo: Night 3Photos from night three of the Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo on Friday, August 11, 2023.
- Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo: Night 2Photos from night one of the 2023 Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo.
- Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo: Night 1Photos from night one of the 2023 Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo.
- Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Parade/Cowboy Shuffle/Cowboy Up! Festival/Mutton Busting-Aug. 5, 2023The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Parade, Cowboy Shuffle 5K Run, Mutton Busting along with the Sikeston Depot Museum's Cowboy Up! Arts Festival were held Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Historic Downtown Sikeston.
- SIKESTON HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVALThe inaugural Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival was held June 16-18 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds. Throughout the event, there were arts and crafts vendors, beer and wine garden and food trucks and inflatables for children. Tethered balloon rides were offered and a balloon glow Saturday night followed by live music.
- 2023 Memorial Day ceremony in SikestonThe annual Memorial Day service was conducted Monday, May 29, 2023 at Sikeston Veterans Park.
- NMCC Class of 2023 graduationThe graduation ceremony for New Madrid County Central High School's Class of 2023 was Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in the high school gym.
- New Madrid County Central Honors ProgramHonors and awards for the members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2023 were announced May 15 in a special ceremony. Here are a few photos from the event.
- Portageville High School Class of 2023 graduatesOn May 11 the 105th commencement ceremony at Portageville High School honored the Class of 2023.
- Mock crash at NMCC: April 13, 2023On April 13, the Missouri Department of Transportation, New Madrid Police Department, New Madrid County Ambulance District, Missouri State Highway Patrol, New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, Sullivan’s Towing, Lilbourn and New Madrid Fire Departments and Air Evac Lifeteam 3 of Sikeston working with school officials staged a mock accident. The purpose was to educate the students about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
- Hunter-Dawson Historic Site's egg huntChildren were divided into four age groups to search for eggs at Hunter-Dawson Historic Site’s egg hunt Saturday, April 8, 2023, in New Madrid.