There’s just something about Patrick Dempsey. 

Maybe it’s his smile. Or his charm. Or the approximately 11 billion romantic comedies he’s starred in. 

Or all of the above. It could definitely be all of the above.

Either way, Shopping Siren knows that a certain demographic looks forward to Patrick Dempsey’s annual cancer center-fundraising trip to the Twin Cities, where he bikes and waves and smiles for photos with star-struck fans.

I may or may not be in that demographic. (I am.)

So what’s the best way to prepare for this weekend’s Dempsey sighting, er, Challenge?

Shopping. It turns out the answer is shopping.

• “Grey’s Anatomy” DVD, Season 1, Bull Moose, $13.97

Patrick Dempsey was awesome long before this ABC medical drama premiered in 2005, but it’s safe to say the role of Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd cemented his status as, well, dreamy. Find out how it all began with this nine-episode first season DVD set. Something tells me there will be lots of yelling, “Stat!” and, “I need a type and cross!” Or maybe I just think every hospital show is like “ER.”  

• “Enchanted” DVD, Bull Moose, $2.97 (used, full-screen) or $6.97 (new, wide-screen)

Part live-action, part animation, part musical, part rom-com, this 2007 movie has a lot of parts. It also has Patrick Dempsey who plays, essentially, a real-life Prince Charming. Because: typecasting. Since the film is rated PG, you can swoon while your kids sing along.

• “Outbreak” DVD, Bull Moose, $2.97 (used) or $4.97 (new)

One of Patrick Dempsey’s lesser-known roles. (He plays “Jimbo,” the jerkface who smuggled a virus-bearing monkey into the country and doomed us all.) Don’t watch this one with your kids. There is no singing along here.

• ReTrak Bluetooth Selfie Stick, Best Buy, $19.99

Wireless selfie stick that extends more than 38 inches and can hold your cellphone, digital camera or GoPro camera. Perfect for snapping pics of you and your new BFF, Patrick Dempsey. Bah, why be so formal? Go ahead and call him Pat.  

• Sneakers, Olympia Sports, various prices (buy one get one half off)

Tons of brands, styles and sizes for men, women and kids, and during this BOGO sale (runs at least until Tuesday), you can get half off the second pair. So buy some new running shoes and head out on the 5K or 10K run/walk. You might see Patrick Dempsey around and you’ll be raising money to help cancer patients. We’ve all bought new shoes for worse reasons. 

• “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” Flagship Cinemas Auburn, $6.75 (day) or $9 (evening)

Check out Patrick Dempsey’s latest flick so you’ll have something to compliment him on. Like, “You know that scene, the one with the woman? At the place? You were great. Really great. I love you. Can I have your autograph?” It’ll so work. Trust me. 

• Bikes, Rainbow Bikes, various prices

Well-made adult street bikes range from several hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. If you can afford it, any of them would be perfect for the Dempsey Challenge rides. I gravitated toward the purple one, but that’s just me. You might be more partial to, say, white or green. Oh, and they have different gears and stuff. For things. 

Best find: Donation, DempseyCenter.org, any amount you want

According to the Challenge folks, all of the money raised goes to help the Dempsey Center in Lewiston that provides free help to cancer patients, their families and the people caring for them. Massage? Check. Counseling? Check. Calm and quiet in the midst of personal turmoil? Check. It’s hard to argue with that kind of spending.

Think twice: About not stopping by the Dempsey Challenge this weekend

Even if you’re not participating, there will be a whole festival to enjoy. And Patrick Dempsey.

Shopping Siren’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who will NOT chase the bikes this weekend because they are good dogs) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.