The USA's Largest non-profit, single weekend slowpitch softball tournament was founded in 1976 by Sam McQuade Sr. of McQuade Distributing Co., Inc., the local distributor of Budweiser beer. Being a father of a special needs son - Sean, Sam was keenly aware of the financial challenges of local charities and organizations that were involved in helping such less fortunate people. In 1976, the first year of the tournament, Sam and countless volunteers raised over $1,000 and brought 103 teams in 4 divisions to Bismarck-Mandan, ND. The event grew to over 464 teams in 15 divisions and raised over $146,000 in total donations in the year 2019! Today, the tournament is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, including the 3rd generation of McQuades, Shannon McQuade-Ely.
Over the years the tournament has become one of Bismarck's - if not North Dakota's largest events. Teams have come from neighboring places, such as Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana; as far away as Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Washington state and Wyoming; and from 2 Canadian provinces. In fact, the tournament helped sponsor international divisions in 2006 in Bosnia, three in Bagdad (2007, 2008 & 2009), two in Kosovo (pictures) in 2010 and 2012, along with one in Kuwait in 2012. Teams have commented that it is more challenging and exciting to play and win in "The McQuade" due to the fact that they're competing with some of the best teams from throughout the Midwest. Player and fan interest in "The McQuade" is so keen that many teams are turned away each year because divisions have filled up. It's the fun weekend of the summer! And, to top it off, all of the proceeds benefit many local charities and organizations, especially those that help run the tournament.