The 66th annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo festivities began Saturday with a parade in downtown Sikeston, Missouri, and musical entertainment will kick off Wednesday with a performance by Missouri native Chris Janson, followed by Bullfighters Only on Thursday and Friday.

�Last year was only our second time hosting Bullfighters Only, but audience members of all ages waited in line for autographs and photos with their favorite bullfighters,� rodeo chairman Ross Merideth said in a news release. �Several kids even came dressed in full bullfighter gear. We�d be crazy not to bring BFO back again.�

Individuals who compete will perform freestyle stunts to dodge, duck and weave past charging bulls. Judges award up to 50 points to those who display control, style, creativity and willingness to take risks when engaging with the bull, the release stated.

Judges also award up to 50 points to the bull for maintaining aggression and speed during each 60-second match.

According to the release, the bulls used for the event are specifically bred for certain �fighting traits.� Their natural instinct is to charge, which makes them �the perfect bulls� for the event.

Featured events during the rodeo are team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and bareback riding.

Special events for the week include self-guided rodeo walks everyday in downtown Sikeston; Picnic with the Rodeo Clowns and Queens at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Bootheel Golf Club and a Behind the Chutes Tour at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Musical performances

Janson will jumpstart the four-day event�s performances Wednesday, followed by Brett Young on Thursday, Justin Moore on Friday and Travis Tritt on Saturday.

Janson is originally from Perryville, Missouri, and one of his latest singles, �Buy Me a Boat,� became a No. 3 hit on Billboard�s Country Airplay, the release stated.

�His performances are always dynamic as well as engaging, and we�re sure Wednesday night Rodeo goers will have a great time during his concert,� Merideth stated in the release.

Merideth said Janson is �new to the country music scene compared to other entertainers we�ve hosted,� but said Janson�s rapid climb in the charts �shows he possesses talent you don�t want to miss.�

Young grew up in California and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. His first album was released in February 2017.

Merideth said Young�s �outstanding musical ability made him an easy choice for Thursday night entertainment.�

Moore has been active in the country music scene since 2008, the release stated, and grew up in Poyen, Arkansas, before relocating to Nashville in 2002.

In 2011, Moore won two awards from the Inspirational Country Music Association and in 2014 he won New Artist of the Year from the Academy of Country Music.

�He creates music that features some of the most relatable songs for people from small towns,� Merideth said. �The celebration of Southern beliefs throughout his lyrics makes him an ideal musician for the Rodeo audience.�

Country music �legend� Tritt�s music has �blared from radios for decades,� Merideth said. He said Tritt�s concert Saturday �is sure to be an unforgettable finale for the 2018 rodeo season.�

For tickets or more information about all rodeo events, visit www.sikestonrodeo.com.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632