Denny Flynn

Fort Smith Museum of History
Western Heritage Month
Program with Denny Flynn
Thursday, May 7, 2015
6:00 p. m.

Kicking of Fort Smith Western Heritage Month, the Fort Smith Museum of History will present a program with Denny Flynn, champion bull rider and director of Kay Rodgers Park.  

Charleston, Arkansas native Denny Flynn will speak on the history of the rodeo in Fort Smith as well as his experience as a champion bull rider.  Induction into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2010 crowns a lifetime of achievement for Flynn, known as the most talented bull rider to win a world title.  Flynn qualified for the National Finals Rodeo ten times from 1974 through 1982 and set a record for the most bull riding average titles won.  In 1979, his 98-point ride on Red Lightning was a record for twelve years and remains the second highest score in Pro Rodeo history.  His 1974 92-point score on a bull named Ed Pavik held the record for fifteen years.  Meet this rodeo legend and hear his story.

The first organized rodeo in Fort Smith was held at Andrews Field in 1934.  Titled the "Pawnee Bill Rodeo," Major Gordon W. Lillie appeared in the parade and the grand entry of each show.  Today, the Old Fort days Rodeo is one of the oldest in Arkansas and a premier event.

The program is offered free with Museum admission:  $5 adults, $2 children, under age six are free.