For the first time since the Kooch County Cruise launched, classic cars will join motorcycles on the fundraiser ride scheduled for Sept. 8.

The Kooch County Cruise is an event in which motorcyclists and drivers take a route of about 200 miles, traveling throughout the border communities in one day. The annual event supports a cause within the community.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, the organization hosting the fifth annual event, will donate all proceeds to support the organization’s Buddy Backpack program that will be launched in Koochiching County Schools this fall. The program provides children at risk of being hungry on the weekends with a backpack filled with nutritious, child-friendly, nonperishable food each Friday as they head home from school.

“Through Buddy Backpacks, we hope to reach 80-90 children in Koochiching County this year,” said Julie Ehrman, UWNEMN Board and Advisory Committee Chair. “Participation in the Kooch County Cruise will provide critical support for this new effort in our community. We have a lot of children who need this extra care on the weekends.”

Registration for the ride is $35 per person. The first 100 registered riders are guaranteed a Kooch County Cruise T-shirt. Participants can register in person at Northern Auto Parts or the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, online at www.unitedwaynemn.org/events/kooch-county-cruise/ or by mail to KCC, 3103 Town Road 286, International Falls, MN, 56649. Registration and check-in will be held from 11 a.m. until noon on the day of the ride at The Spot on 53.

“Show and Shine” will also be held from 11 a.m. until noon, which gives riders and drivers an opportunity to show off their bikes and classic cars and win the people’s choice award as well as other prizes.

The ride will leave The Spot on 53 at noon with a route that travels throughout the border communities with three gas stops scheduled. Following the ride, there will be a wrap-up party at The Spot on 53 complete with dinner, raffles, auction and entertainment.

“We guarantee participants will have a great time at this event to support a great cause” said Lisa Riggs, event co-chair and UWNEMN Koochiching County Advisory Board member.

For more information, to become a sponsor or to register for the ride, log on to www.unitedwaynemn.org/ events/kooch-county-cruise or call 218-280-9786 or 952-844-8475.