Johnson has spent the last year preparing for four days

SIKESTON -- Barry Johnson walks into the empty arena of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds. For the moment, it is quiet.

But by Wednesday evening, it will be loud and crowded with excited fans, cowboys, cowgirls and livestock -- that is the moment Johnson has spent the past year working toward. The 61st Annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will be under way.

This year's rodeo general chairman, Johnson took over his duties as the 60th Annual Rodeo closed last August. During September, October and November, he would occasionally deal with details for the 2013 event in between his work with the Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities.

It was in December, Johnson said, when his duties as general chairman began to pick up.

"In March you start to get really busy," said Johnson. The entertainment lineup is being finalized, publicity is starting, ticket sales are under way and the list of improvements for the rodeo grounds organized.

As the days tick down to opening night, it is almost non-stop for the general chairman. "Every time you turn around, the phone is ringing; there is a text message or an e-mail. They told me there would be a lot but I didn't realize there would be this many," Johnson said.

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