In 2016, the Junk Bonanza unveiled a “yarn-bombed” horse during an event at Canterbury Park.
The horse — an eye-catching statue located outside the Expo Center — was a favorite of Mary Pat Monson, Canterbury Park’s former special events manager, who passed away in September 2018.
As a memorial to Monson, Junk Bonanza officials plan to update the yarn bombing on the horse in conjunction with their April 11-13 event.
“Simply put, Mary Pat loved the yarn bomb horse. She helped us coordinate its inception and took pride in seeing our vision come to life,” said Ki Nassauer, founder of Junk Bonanza.
When the yarn bomb horse debuted, it was a hit, especially with Monson.
“She joyfully described folks taking selfies posed in front of it and talked about how much fun it brought to the venue year-round,” Nassauer said. “Her memory and joy will be with us always and this is just one way we can celebrate Mary Pat’s life.”
Updating the Yarn Bomb Horse
The Junk Bonanza’s yarn bomber, Knitteapolis, will be refreshing the statue, and the public can get involved.
The Junk Bonanza has invited people to contribute a knitted or crocheted flower that will make up a new base for the horse statue. To contribute, find free downloadable patterns on the Junk Bonanza website; finished flowers can be turned in to Kerry Larson in Canterbury Park’s special events office.
The Junk Bonanza is also arranging for a metal plaque memorializing the yarn-bombed horse in Mary Pat Monson’s name.
Mary Pat Expo Atrium
On April 2, Canterbury Park dedicated the Expo Center Atrium in honor and memory of Mary Pat Monson.
She was the driving force behind getting the Expo Center constructed, said Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson.
It is “the house that Mary Pat built,” he said.
Friends, family members and Canterbury employees were on hand for the dedication, telling stories about her ability to get things done and make events a success.
Mary Pat and the Junk Bonanza
Nassauer said Monson was instrumental in making the Junk Bonanza thrive.
“Mary Pat was our rock,” Nassauer said. “From blizzards to floods to construction, no matter the circumstance, she made sure our event was always able to open on time. And she did everything she could to make Junk Bonanza a success.”
Monson was also one of the Junk Bonanza’s best customers.
“She loved vintage. When she said, ‘Let’s take a walk,’ we knew she was eyeing a piece in a vendor’s booth and wanted an opinion,” Nassauer said. “She was our friend. We miss our evening recaps at the bar after a hectic show day. She made us laugh and we are reminded that she was indelibly one-of-a-kind.”
The spring 2019 Junk Bonanza runs from Thursday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13.
Read Mary Pat’s obituary in the Star Tribune, as well as a feature on her from Shakopee Valley News.
