Cross Canadian Ragweed's Reunion Boosts Stillwater Economy While Supporting Local Nonprofits
Humane Society of Stillwater hopes to raise over $10,000 through partnership with reunited Oklahoma band
Humane Society of Stillwater
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The reunion of Cross Canadian Ragweed for multiple concerts in Stillwater is creating a significant economic boost for the community while supporting local nonprofits, including the Humane Society of Stillwater.
The Humane Society has already raised more than $6,100 through their partnership with the band selling The Very Good Boys From Oklahoma T-shirts, with additional fundraising efforts planned throughout the concert series.
"We have a booth at Midway tomorrow through Sunday, and we're gonna do the dunk tank," Treasurer for the Humane Society of Stillwater's Board of Directors, Stephanie Peetoom, who helped organize the collaboration said.
The nonprofit plans to continue fundraising with merchandise sales, including 400 shirts and hats available at upcoming events.
"I'm actually wearing this shirt on Saturday," lead guitarist and vocalist for Cross Canadian Ragweed, Cody Canada informed the crowd.
"That's amazing," Peetoom replied.
"So that means Saturday we're selling out," Humane Society board member Lindsay Nooner shouted.
"I hope so," Canada responded.
Jackie Ross-Guerrero, director of the Humane Society of Stillwater, expresses gratitude for the band's support during a recent meeting with the musicians.
"Having you guys help us out is huge," Ross-Guerrero said. "Not just helping our Stillwater shelter, but helping Stillwater. This is really, really amazing."
The Humane Society of Stillwater has been operating for approximately 50 years, with Ross-Guerrero serving as director for 17 years. The organization extends its services beyond Stillwater to surrounding communities including Perkins, Cushing, Stroud, Ripley, and Pawnee.
Cross Canadian Ragweed band members shook hands and autographed memorabilia April 9, 2025 at the Humane Society of Stillwater. – Photos by Chris Peters
"Any animal that's on the euthanasia list, we pretty much take and we keep it until we find it a home. No matter how long," Ross-Guerrero explains, highlighting the nonprofit's commitment to animal welfare.
The band's decision to add multiple show dates allowed for expanded community support initiatives. What began as a single concert grew to multiple nights, creating opportunities to assist various local organizations.
"When we sold all the tickets, none of us thought we were going to sell that many tickets," Canada said. "But once night two got added, then the wheel started turning. Like, man, we can really turn this into helping out nonprofits and helping to just bringing money to Stillwater."
New cat condos were recently installed at the Humane Society thanks to a posthumous donation from long-time supporter Robert Maurizzi. Randy Ragsdale is the owner of two dogs, a boston terrier and a husky. Jeremy Plato just has a tom cat. Grady Cross has a pregnant boxer and Cody Canada said he has, "one labradoodle, one labra-dumbass and one cava-poo. We have one name Harold, who's just not all there."
The economic impact extends beyond direct fundraising. The influx of visitors attending the concerts increases spending at local businesses, creating a ripple effect throughout Stillwater's economy.
Local businesses are also joining the collaborative effort. Matt Sullins, a past board member of the Humane Society who manages Stonecloud Patio & Taproom, has been selling shirts to support the cause.
Emily Snow, president of the Humane Society's board of directors, attended the meeting to personally thank the band members for their support.
"I've been all up in my feels all week just about what you guys have done for the community," Snow tells the band. "Lending your name, lending your social capital to help out not just the university, but the town and the nonprofits and everything. You didn't have to do that, but you did. And it's making a huge impact."
The band members, including Canada, Grady Cross, Jeremy Plato, and Randy Ragsdale, express their commitment to giving back to the community that supported their early career.
"It's something that we enjoy to do," Cross said.
"It's a good way to honor and pay back. Wouldn't be able to do what we do without support from the people," Ragsdale added.
The Humane Society's fundraising efforts include a successful T-shirt auction that raised $400 for wildfire victims. Craig Miller, who won the signed shirt, attended the gathering to have it signed by the band.
Cross Canadian Ragweed's reunion in this week's The Boys from Oklahoma music festival demonstrates the lasting impact of cultural events on small-town economies. By choosing to support local causes during their return to performing, the band creates a model for how artists can leverage their influence to benefit communities.
"We kind of got started here as far as playing music," Plato notes. "Started here. So it just made sense to [give back]."
The Humane Society of Stillwater continues to care for animals in need, including Ember, a 10-year-old dog who has been with the shelter for a year and made an appearance at the meeting with the band.
As the concerts continue, both the economic benefits and charitable contributions are expected to grow, creating a lasting positive impact on Stillwater and its nonprofit organizations.
The Oklahoma-based country rock band, which formed in Yukon in 1994, is using their return to the spotlight to give back to the community that supported them in their early days.
"This city helped us from the very beginning between Yukon and Stillwater," Canada said. "It was very cool, in the infancy of the band, [them] taking care of us."
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