Third annual Nisswa Knit-in for the Cure planned for July 9

NISSWA - Area 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 third annual Nisswa Knit-In for the Cure, from noon July 9 to noon July 10 at Utrinkets, located in Nisswa Square. The event includes a classic car show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure.

For the knit-in, dozens of volunteers will be knitting shawls, lap blankets and special hats called Chemo Hats, which are worn by women and men who lose their hair as a result of chemotherapy treatment.

The knitted items will be donated to Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure, which will include the items in the organization's Comfort Kits that are donated to women who are newly diagnosed with cancer.

Kristy Yutrzenka, Utrinkets owner and event coordinator, hopes to have as many as 100 people knitting throughout the 24-hour period. If her store can't accommodate everyone, she'll use the nearby Journey Church for overflow. Last year, 245 hats, 21 shawls and 7 lap blankets were donated at the conclusion of the event.

There are a number of ways the public may get involved in the event. In addition to knitting and crocheting, the public can buy yarn for others to knit or make cash donations.

The Cruising for the Cure Classic Car Show is free to the public and will be in the Nisswa Square area. Those who are showing cars are being asked to pre-register and donate $15 to Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure. The public can vote on their favorite car, with awards going to Men's Choice, Women's Choice and Kids' Choice. At the conclusion of the show, the cars will cruise through Nisswa to signal the end of the event.

"The event continues to generate a lot of interest locally and from people throughout the state and beyond," Yutrzenka said. "This year's event will be a lot of fun, and area businesses have done a great job of supporting it. We're really looking forward to having a great time for a great cause."

Yutrzenka's yarn suppliers are donating the yarn again this year and Stonehouse Coffee will provide coffee during the knit-in. Winners Trophy and Engraving donated trophies for the car show and Lee Anderson donated space for the car show.

Those who want to help knit during the event or enter a car in the car show are requested to pre-register by contacting Yutrzenka at 218-961-YARN.