The Old Fort Days Rodeo at Harper Stadium in Fort Smith, Ark., got off to its traditional Memorial Day start with the roughstock events in the spotlight. Tyrell Smith, the son of two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Johnny S. Smith, had the top saddle bronc riding score of 85 points on May 25, and 2008 regular season earnings leader Steven Dent had an 84-point ride to lead the bareback riding standings.
Action gets under way at 7:30 p.m. CT each day, with the six-performance rodeo ending on May 30.
The Old Fort Days Rodeo offers $5,000 in added money per event and, with nearly $100,000 in total purse, it is second only to the Rodeo of the Ozarks in terms of prize money awarded in Arkansas.
The Old Fort Days features the best in contract personnel, with 11-time PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year Harry Vold of Avondale, Colo., supplying his livestock for the 31st consecutive year, 2008 Dress Act of the Year John Payne (aka The One Arm Bandit) keeping the action going when the cowboys aren't competing, and two-time and reigning PRCA Announcer of the Year Boyd Polhamus of Brenham, Texas, providing the commentary.
On May 28, the Super Kids Rodeo is being held, and events such as barrel racing, tie-down roping and bull riding are scaled down to make it possible for special-needs children to compete. Rodeo contestants and volunteers assist the children so they can participate in the events.