For the second consecutive year, Kristy Yutrzenka and a group of fellow knitting and crochet enthusiasts will spend 24 straight hours using their skills and energy to make a difference in the lives of those who are diagnosed with cancer.
They will be participating in the second annual Nisswa Knit-In for the Cure, from noon June 26 to noon June 27 at Yutrzenka's yarn store called Utrinkets, located in Nisswa Square. The event has greatly expanded this year to include a street dance June 27 and a classic car show June 28. Proceeds from all the events will benefit the Brainerd Lakes Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
For the knit-in, Yutrzenka and dozens of volunteers will be knitting shawls, lap blankets and special hats called Chemo Hats, which are worn by women who lose their hair as a result of chemotherapy treatment. The knitted items will be donated to Brainerd Komen, which will include the items in the organization's Comfort Kits that are donated to women who are newly diagnosed with cancer.
Yutrzenka hopes to have as many as 100 people knitting throughout the 24-hour period. If her store can't accommodate everyone, she'll use a nearby church for overflow. Last year, Komen received 150 hats, 23 throws and 23 shawls.
There's a number of ways the public can get involved in the event. In addition to knitting and crocheting, the public can buy yarn for others to knit, make cash donations, participate in the Silent Auction that will take place from 1-3 p.m. June 26 at Utrinkets or attend the dance or car show.
The street dance, called Sock Hop for the Cure, is 6-10 p.m., and will feature music, a beer tent (C & L Distributing donated the beer), food by At The Hop, and a contest for the best '50s costume. Survivors and those diagnosed with cancer will be recognized. Admission to the Sock Hop is $5, free to kids 12 and under. Donations of cash and new socks and hats will be accepted.
The Cruising for the Cure Classic Car Show will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free; those showing cars are being asked for a $10 donation to Komen. The public can vote on their favorite car, with awards going to Men's Choice, Women's Choice and Kids' Choice. At 3 p.m., the cars will cruise through Nisswa to signal the end of the event.
Businesses that are sponsoring the dance and car show are Unity Bank, Lakewood Bank, Mattson Lumber, Nisswa Area Women of Today, Buffalo Plaid, Echo Publishing, Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, Winners Trophy and Engraving, and TDS. Yutrzenka's yarn suppliers are donating the yarn again this year and Stonehouse Coffee will provide coffee during the knit-in.
Those who want to help knit during the event should contact Yutrzenka in advance by calling 218-961-YARN. To enter a car in the car show, contact Bill Jones at 218-963-3210.
