Journey out to the historical setting of the Blackfoot Crossing on Siksika First Nation and help raise funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation during the Blackfoot Crossing Cancer Ride event.

This year’s ride will take place on August 25.

Blackfoot Crossing is known as the traditional location at the Bow River where the Siksika and Blackfoot Confederacy made the historical river crossing.

The year also marks the fourth annual cancer ride, this year with the support of the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park and Museum.

“We are now on board with the Blackfoot Crossing Museum and Historical Park. We are riding in a similar location, it’s actually on the north side. On the grounds where the museum is located,” explained Stephanie Miller, the event organizer.

“In my opinion participating in the ride is a good way to remember family members, or friends that we have lost to cancer, and people that are fighting their fight with cancer,” said Miller.

“The funds are designated to go to the Alberta Cancer Foundation for research and to support those that are fighting and battling this disease,” she said.

Participants will meet at a rendez-vous point prior to the ride. The plan is to ride up to the teepee encampment and begin the ride from there.

“First off we are going to be walking up to the museum and have an interpretive tour of the Blackfoot Crossing Museum before we actually start our ride this year,” said Miller.

Although arrangements for the ride are tentative right now, the plan is for the rendez-vous point to be west of the museum.

“There will be signage off of Highway 1 at the Cluny hill top,” said Miller.

“I am really excited this year especially with having the historical park on board with us,” she said.

Participants should bring a light lunch to eat should they become hungry before the group eats at about 3 p.m.

“We have more activities planned than just the ride, so plan on being there all day,” said Miller.

Expect to spend a full day at the event from registration at about 8 a.m. with the ride wrapping up at about 5 p.m.

There will be horseback riding, one horse-drawn wagon and the event will be opened to walkers again this year.

Organizers are accepting donations for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, but there will also be a small selection of silent auction items on hand for sale. The group’s Facebook page is updated regularly.

“I try and do a couple of posts to keep people in the loop to where we are in the planning stages,” said Miller.

For more information and updates on the ride, please visit the event’s Facebook page and search for Blackfoot Crossing Cancer Event.