SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston Public Safety Department is getting ready for the 59th annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.

Officers will attend all four nights of the rodeo, which begins Wednesday, and will assist with Saturday's rodeo parade.

"We will have several officers working the grounds and the parking areas, should you have any questions or concerns while at the rodeo," Sikeston Department of Public Safety spokesman Sgt. Jim McMillen said.

The department's Mobile Command Vehicle will serve as a temporary command post during the rodeo, The vehicle will be on the north side of the grounds behind section R.

McMillen offered several tips for those planning on attending the rodeo:

* Allow enough travel time.

"The entertainment this year is expected to draw large crowds and large crowds mean heavy traffic," he said. " You can save yourself some frustration by allowing enough time for travel and congested roads."

* Pay attention to road signs and officers.

Each year the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sikeston Department of Public Safety assist with the heavy traffic flow to and from the rodeo grounds. Officers will be at intersections and temporary road signs may be in place to help with traffic flow. Drivers should slow down for the officers' safety and to be able to follow their direction.

* Lock cars and secure valuables.

"After you park your vehicle, make sure you don't have any valuables in plain sight," McMillen said. He noted things such as cellphones, GPS devices, purses or other items are often targeted by criminals. Once valuables are secured, lock the vehicle. The department will have officers monitoring the parking lot, he said.

* Stay hydrated and cool.

"Every year we have a few patrons who simply get too hot or don't hydrate well and then need medical treatment. Plan ahead and wear lightweight clothing in hot weather," McMillen said. The department will have cooling stations at the grounds.

* Don't drink and drive.

McMillen reminded those who plan to drink alcohol should have a designated driver. Both Sikeston and the Missouri State Highway Patrol will have extra officers on hand and drinking and driving will not be tolerated, he said.

The rodeo parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sikeston Kindergarten Center on East Salcedo Road. Participants should arrive by 9 a.m.

This year's parade route will start at the school and go west on East Salcedo, turning left on North Kingshighway. It will end at the downtown Sikeston Depot.

Prizes for the best floats are $300 for first place and $200 for second place.

Pertinent address:

Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, Sikeston, MO