Mayor's Back the Badge Ride will return for third year in Grand Forks

Sep. 6—GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks' third annual Mayor's Back the Badge Ride will take place on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 14.

Mayor Brandon Bochenski started the event in the summer of 2021, during a period with "a lot of hostility towards law enforcement," and movements to defund them, he said.

"I felt it was important to let our local law enforcement officers know they're supported, and the community appreciates what they do," Bochenski said.

Bochenski "decided to try to do something unique," and decided to make a parade comprised of motorcycles, UTVs, ATVs and golf carts.

The parade was a success and became an annual event, he said. He encouraged the public to attend this year's parade, either by watching or participating in it.

Registration is open online

and costs $25 per vehicle.

Registration can also be done in person at the Grand Cities Mall parking lot (1726 S. Washington St.) starting at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the parade.

For the first two years, there were 100 or more vehicles registered to participate.

"We're hoping to have the same or more this year," Bochenski said.

There will be music and displays throughout the parking lot, as well as food and beverage. Attendees can also enter a 50/50 raffle.

Grand Forks Police Officer Brian Samson believes that, in addition to showing support for law enforcement, the event helps officers connect with the community.

"(It's) a way for us to come out and engage with the public: see what's going on, what issues they might have, questions they might have," he said. "And also for them to interact with us, and see what we do, and kind of go back and forth. It opens a lot of doors for us."

Having law enforcement present at community events allows the public to come prepared with questions and comments.

"It (removes) a lot of communication barriers," Samson said.

At 5:45 p.m., UND Police Chief Rodney Clark will take the stage as emcee. At 5:55 p.m., Lacey Schuler is scheduled to perform the Star Spangled Banner.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. It's expected to last about an hour, and traffic may be disrupted for short periods of time throughout the parade's route, Samson said.

Around 7 p.m., the parade is expected to return to the parking lot. At 7:15 p.m., the raffle winner will be announced.

In addition to registration costs and raffle contributions, additional financial support comes from sponsors.

"It's all local businesses that also want to share their support," Bochenski said.

In 2021, the event brought in around $28,000. After expenses, about $20,000 was given back to local law enforcement agencies: GFPD, Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office and UND Police Department. The funds can be used at the discretion of the agencies.

"Maybe there's a want that's not in their budget; maybe they need different pieces of equipment," Bochenski said. "We give them the ability and free range to buy something that they don't have money for."