On Saturday, April 29th, Saddle Tramp was on stage for the first time in 13 years. They came together to support their original drummer, Mike Anderson, and his wife Paula, who became paralyzed after an aortic aneurysm surgery in December of 2018. Since then, she has had many complications and hospitalizations. She is currently on kidney dialysis and proceeds from the evening will be going towards ongoing medical expenses. Paula grew up in Middle River, graduating from MRHS in 1974. She worked as a nurse in Thief River Falls for many years.
Joining forces with Saddle Tramp were Tami Lee and the Northern Lights, The WoodPicks, and The Kezars. This event was held in honor of Donovan Ruud, who was a member of many area bands and was planning this event at the time of his passing. The gym was full of people ready to relive great memories, dance to good tunes, and have a lot of fun while doing what Middle River does best, working hard to benefit others.
Trudy Nelson summed up what made the event, or any other events in our community in fact, so special, “It’s like getting a big hug whenever I walk in here.” People from all over gathered in the Legacy Center on Saturday night, and I hope they could feel that in the air.
