YMCA to hold Dress Like a Rodeo Clown Contest on Saturday

SIKESTON — For many the best part of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo is the comedy the rodeo clowns provide during the event. But it will be cuteness that will be in full effect during the Dress Like a Rodeo Clown Contest.

Held from 11 a.m. until noon on July 27 at the YMCA of Southeast Missouri in Sikeston, the Dress Like a Rodeo Clown Contest gives children ages 2-6 a chance to dress up like a clown for prizes. This year there will be a division for 2-4 year olds and a division for 5-6 year olds.

Brandy Johnson, member and program experience director at the YMCA said the event is not like a beauty pageant. The children will come to the YMCA and will be given a number that will be placed on their back. Then the children will walk around the lobby and interact with people. Last year there were a few stations set up where the children could play.

“Our judges our anonymous so nobody knows who is exactly doing the judging,” Johnson said.

Once the judging is completed, the winners will be announced. The winners will get a trophy and are invited to ride as honorary clowns in the rodeo parade, held Aug. 3. One winner will also receive four box seats to the rodeo while the other will receive a pool party at the YMCA.

“We’re inviting families to come out and get excited about the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo,” Johnson said. “This is a great opportunity to bring the rodeo to the forefront in our community.”

The contest is the first of several events held before the Rodeo. The Sikeston Jaycees also will be holding Stampede Week again, which will feature a Storefront Decoration Contest to be judged on Aug. 2, along with the Rodeo Parade Float Contest on Aug. 3.

Also, adults will also get a chance to dress up as clowns at the Employee Clown Dress-Up Contest that will be judged on Aug. 3 at the Cowboy Up! Festival at Legion Park in Downtown Sikeston. For more information, contact the Sikeston Chamber.