Chief Joseph Days Rodeo announces 2026 Hall of Fame class during 80th anniversary celebration
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, June 1st, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
JOSEPH – (Press Release from Chief Joseph Days Rodeo) As Chief Joseph Days Rodeo prepares to celebrate its 80th Anniversary in 2026, the organization is proud to announce the inductees selected for the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Representing nearly every facet of rodeo, this year’s class includes two legendary bullfighters, two longtime volunteer leaders, two standout contestants, and the rodeo’s first queen. Together, these seven inductees helped shape the traditions, values, and legacy that have made Chief Joseph Days one of the Northwest’s premier rodeos for eight decades.
The Hall of Fame was established to recognize the contestants, contract personnel, volunteers, and supporters whose dedication helped build and sustain Chief Joseph Days Rodeo throughout its history.
The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees will be honored during the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Thunder Room in Joseph, Oregon. The afternoon celebration will include the induction ceremony, recognition of the Class of 2026, appetizers and spirits, and an opportunity for friends, family, and rodeo fans to celebrate the individuals whose contributions helped shape Chief Joseph Days.
Contract Personnel
Joe Baumgartner served as a bullfighter at Chief Joseph Days from 1991–2011 and became one of the most respected bullfighters in professional rodeo. A four-time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year, he was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rob Smets, known as the “Kamikaze Kid,” earned a legendary reputation as one of rodeo’s greatest bullfighters. His career included six National Finals Rodeos, eight PBR World Finals, and induction into multiple halls of fame, including the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Volunteer Recognition
Mike McFetridge was among the founding fathers of Chief Joseph Days and played a key role in building the original rodeo arena. His leadership, financial support, and volunteer efforts helped establish the event during its earliest years.
Dave and Darlene Turner dedicated more than six decades of service to Chief Joseph Days through leadership roles, volunteer work, promotion, and mentorship. Their impact spans generations and helped shape the event into the community celebration it is today.
Contestant Recognition
Buzz Seely was one of the Northwest’s top rough stock riders during rodeo’s golden era. A two-time RCA National Finals qualifier, he won the prestigious Harley Tucker Memorial Award twice and captured victories at many of the West’s premier rodeos, including Chief Joseph Days.
Butch Knowles became the first cowboy to win the Harley Tucker Memorial Award three times, retiring the award in 1982. A champion competitor and longtime National Finals Rodeo broadcaster, Knowles has remained closely connected to Chief Joseph Days for more than five decades.
Notable Recognition
Icel Edgmand Miller holds a special place in Chief Joseph Days history as the rodeo’s first queen. She remained a lifelong supporter of the event, helping encourage future generations of rodeo royalty and becoming the first individual woman selected as a Chief Joseph Days Grand Marshal.
“The Hall of Fame exists to preserve the stories of the people who built Chief Joseph Days Rodeo,” said Hall of Fame Committee Chair Cindy Bailey. “As we celebrate our 80th Anniversary, it is fitting to recognize these individuals whose contributions helped create the traditions that continue to make Chief Joseph Days special today.”
Since its founding in 1946, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo has grown into one of the premier rodeos in the Northwest, drawing generations of contestants, volunteers, and spectators to Joseph each summer. The Hall of Fame serves as a lasting tribute to those whose dedication, talent, and service helped shape the rodeo’s history and legacy.
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Sunday, July 19, 2026
3:00 p.m.
Thunder Room – Joseph, Oregon
Appetizers and spirits will be served.
Ticket Information
Advance tickets are $25 through July 13, 2026. Tickets purchased at the door are $40. Presale tickets may be purchased by mailing a check to:
Chief Joseph Days Hall of Fame Committee
P.O. Box 13
Joseph, OR 97846
Presale tickets will be held at the door.
For more information about the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Hall of Fame or the 80th Anniversary celebration, contact the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo office at (541) 432-1015 or visit www.chiefjosephdays.com.
