18th Annual Cowboy Up Ride Against Cancer in McLeod this weekend

MCCLEOD, N.D. — On a typical summer evening, you can drive your pickup truck through the small town of McLeod, North Dakota, and maybe wave to a half-dozen people. Only 10 people call it home.

But starting Friday, Aug. 18, it will be home to the 18th Annual Cowboy Up Ride Against Cancer. But for the countless volunteers who put this on, it is no ordinary fundraiser. This year it is historic.

Just an hour south of Fargo, where the prairie meets the Sheyenne National Grasslands, McLeod proudly sits in the middle. And on main street Thursday, everyone was preparing for the weekend event of the summer.

The Sand Dune Saloon will be hopping.

“It’s just (heart)warming to be able to do this and help people,” said Karen Haugen, one of the volunteer organizers.

It was 19 years ago that so many families had cancer stories to share. They decided to do something about it.

“To be able to help just makes you feel a little bit better as you go through all of it (cancer), because it’s tough,” Haugen said.

In McLeod this weekend it will be an extraordinary fundraiser and a huge goal will be accomplished.

“This year, we’re going to hit the $1 million mark after 18 years. That’s done from the heart. (…) If you have ever been to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, it’s amazing what our money does. It helps people that need the help,” said Gary Bernhardt, one of the volunteer organizers.

They’ve all lost someone. Some on the committee are no longer here. But that doesn’t stop these volunteers — most who don’t live here — from turning McLeod into a weekend nobody forgets.

“Who isn’t affected by cancer? It’s sad to say, but we all are. Our of our families are, our friends are,” Haugen said.

David Keadle came from Georgia. He was stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard in LaMoure, North Dakota, back in the 1970s.

“Oh man, dedication. I mean like they said, everyone is affected by it somehow,” Keadle said.

Everything kicks off Friday, a trail ride and rodeo racing. The big ride is Saturday, with dinner and auction and dance. This town, home to North Dakota’s last operating one-room school is prepared to make a difference again.