FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Steel Horse Rally on May 5 and 6 is a tradition that continues this year in Fort Smith after starting in 2015. The rally's mission is to honor "all who serve" through their charity work and donations collected during the event.
The rally has featured activities like the Cops and Cones Motorcycle Exhibition and the Thunder Through the Valley Motorcycle Parade. However, this year the rally will present its very first Steel Horse Strongman Showdown, sanctioned by the Strongman Corporation which will feature "amateur men and women lifting ridiculous amounts of weight in a unique manner," according to Dennis Snow, president of Steel Horse Rally Inc.
Josh Buchfink with the City of Fort Smith says that for the event, "some road closures will be happening… Obviously, we’re excited because this brings a lot of people into Fort Smith— this is the fastest-growing motorcycle rally in the nation.”
The event will be free to watch Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m.
Snow said that “The big delay we all know about is the Interstate 540- Arkansas River bridge. If you have someone coming in from out of state that’s not aware of it, just tell them to be patient. We’re not closed, it’s just down to two lanes.”
Starting Friday evening at 6:30, garrison Avenue will be closed off and only open for motorcycles, on Saturday the road is shut down all day.
Attendants will be able to visit over 80 vendors from across the country selling all kinds of items from food and beverages to other products and services.
In order to help with charity donations, the rally will feature a Steel Horse Rally Charity Cup which will allow those over 21 years old to walk through downtown Fort Smith with alcoholic beverages.
According to Snow, 100% of the proceeds from the $5 minimum donations to acquire a cup will go to the three charities they will be donating to this year. Those charities include Antioch for Youth & Family, Children's Service League, and Buddy Smith Home for Veterans.
Snow also says that rain or shine, the event will happen, stating that “bikers are not afraid to ride in the rain, but it looks like most of the nasty weather is going to roll through late tonight and into Friday morning. Hopefully Friday afternoon when the rally officially starts, we’ll have smooth sailing.
The event will also present live performances and the Miss Steel Horse Rally Contest.
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