IT IS RODEO TIME IN SIKESTON

It has been a busy week for Sikeston with the 43rd annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. More than 40,000 people attended last year, and officials hope to top that number this week. The event began Wednesday and runs through tonight.

The rodeo continues to grow in size and prestige, attracting many of the top rodeo riders for a purse of nearly $120,000. Jaycees feel this year's event will earn Sikeston a spot among the 10 largest in the country. About 320 cowboys are competing this year.

Rising country-music stars have also paid off in terms of attendance. This year's rodeo attracted Sammy Kershaw, Confederate Railroad and Tracy Byrd. Tonight, Ken Mellons performs. Once again, Sikeston has done itself proud by being the host city for one of the top rodeos in the country.