"A Day in the Life of Miss Minnesota: Sunrise to Sunset”

This past Thursday, July 28th, was packed from sunrise to sunset! My day started with an interview in Moorhead on KVLY Channel 11, Valley News Live from 5:30 – 7:00AM, which means that I was up before the sun! Fortunately, the host who conducted my interview, Steve Poitras from KVLY, joked so much that I didn’t even think about being a bit sleepy at 5:00am! Further, this television interview presented a great opportunity to promote two of my upcoming “Night of Inspiration” Concerts taking place in Thief River Falls (August 2nd) and Moorhead (September 12th). Hillery from Sanford Children Hospital (formally known as Merit Care), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, also joined me to promote the concerts as Sanford Health will directly benefit from the money raised through these events. For those who are unaware of the “Night of Inspiration” Concerts, they are an integral part of my platform Inspiring America: Crowning the Good in Your Neighborhood.

The "Night of Inspiration" Concerts have been used to showcase the true strength and spirit of America furthering the cycle of positive inspiration around Minnesota with the intent to bring it nationwide as Miss America. These "Night of Inspiration" Concerts offer flexibility to meet the specific desires of each community. In many Minnesota communities, the concert is used to unite communities by showcasing local talent and sharing uplifting stories of their neighbors. In other communities, the concert is used to inspire youth to excellence by offering testimonies that compel them to make positive choices amidst growing pressure. Also, these concerts specifically highlight the most courageous children and their families who can inspire all of us with their gracious displays of strength. These concerts have served as an opportunity to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network through a free will donation. Additionally, the sale of my CD, “Blessed Beyond Measure,” featuring 12 of my original works, is also being sold at these concerts and at all appearances (also available at www.whohasinspiredyou.com) to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Organization.
I am so excited to already have several concerts booked for this year as Miss Minnesota, but I would love to add more! If you would like one in your area to recognize and honor the good in your neighborhood, contact me at Kathryn@whohasinspiredyou.com.

While I was in Moorhead doing the interview at Sanford Children’s Hospital, Hillery gave me a tour of the facility. It was incredible! A local artist from Detroit Lakes, who wrote a children’s book, transformed the hospital into the world of his characters. This man is a sculptor, artist, and author who has made the hospital truly magical creating an atmosphere that instantly uplifts the children there...talk about inspiration!
Later that evening, I was at the Becker County Fair with one of our fantastic State sponsors, “Dazzle Me Jewels.” They have been so generous with their beautiful and unique jewelry. Check out the necklace I am wearing in the photo! All the jewelry I have been wearing for my appearances are from Dazzle Me Jewels and CoCo and Chloe, another generous sponsor!

I am looking forward to the upcoming pageants and concerts so stay tuned as I will have much more to write about!

"Blessed Beyond Measure"

Why is it that summer always flies by? I cannot believe it is already almost August! I hope all of you are having an enjoyable summer and are getting a chance to appreciate some of the incredibly beautiful days we have been blessed with! I feel so fortunate that the recent local pageants have been around my hometown so not only can I perform my duties as Miss Minnesota, but I also get to enjoy some time at the lake (by the way, that also means any other titleholders attending local pageants in the Detroit Lakes/Perham area have an open invitation to spend time at my cabin as well). The Miss Frazee Pageant and Parade took place this past weekend where Emily Paige Kallis took the title of Miss Frazee 2010! I know she will continue the Frazee legacy of hard working and caring titleholders. I am so amazed at how much scholarship money the Miss Frazee Pageant awards to their contestants; they deserve recognition for that accomplishment! Thank you to the Frazee committee and community for making your pageant such a wonderful opportunity for young ladies to receive scholarships (while also gaining so much more along the way)!


This past weekend also marked a big moment for me as Miss Minnesota…my CD was released! "Blessed Beyond Measure" features a compilation of 12 pieces I composed during the most inspirational moments of my life. Throughout my journey with Inspiring America, I have met countless individuals who have inspired me with abundant strength and determination, some of the most notable being the inspiring children at Gillette Children's Hospital. The instrumental pieces on this CD reflect feelings of hope, strength, courage and peace that all of these children and many others, like myself, have experienced during life's greatest joys and adversities. With the incredible God-given gift of writing music, it is my goal to give this gift back to God by Inspiring America through music that captures the essence of the inspiration that surrounds us every day. "Blessed Beyond Measure" will be used to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network with a personal goal to raise over $10,000. The CD will be sold at every event I participate in and will also be available at www.whohasinspiredyou.com. Check it out and join me in supporting a remarkable organization that does so much for our precious young people.


Blessings,
Kathryn Knuttila
Miss Minnesota 2010

Making Dreams Come True

On Monday morning (July 12th), I drove back to St. Paul and did a “Magical Moments with Miss Minnesota” event for Alexis Cox’s 6th birthday party. I was able to share my gift of music on piano with the girls and then we talked about how and where they can use their God given gifts to inspire others. We decorated crowns and banners, and I gave each of the girls a mini makeover with a little makeup and nail painting. We took fashion photos and then made lovely memorabilia cards with the pictures and a certificate I gave each girl to use their gift to inspire and bless those around them. I sure wish I could have had a birthday party like that when I was younger…or even now -- it was so much fun!

On Wednesday, my sister Kari drove with me to Minnesota Lake for FestAg Days. This is an event that Miss Minnesota has gone to every year! (Kari remembers going to this event when she was Miss MN!) Everyone was so welcoming. I met so many different titleholders and had such a great time in their parade (which almost got stormed out but fortunately it concluded just in time for the outdoor pageant in the evening!).



Thursday morning, I headed to Gillette Children’s Hospital for their Annual Fireman’s Carnival Fundraiser. As you can imagine, with the word “carnival” being in the event title, it was a really fun day. I met so many different families (and adorable children!!) from Gillette, not to mention countless volunteers from fireman and their families to make the event a special day for the children. There was face painting, food (dilly bars from DQ, my favorite), games, and tons of prizes. I truly love and support the partnership the Miss America Organization has formed with the Children’s Miracle Network and I look forward to the rest of my year volunteering at Gillette.

On Friday, I got spoiled…or should I say pampered…every woman’s dream! I started the morning off meeting Lisa from CoCo and Chloe, a fantastic sponsor of the Miss Minnesota Organization. She provided me some great clothing items and jewelry for me to keep! (As I wear it, I will take pictures so you can see what great items they have to offer!)In the meantime, check out their website, www.COCOANDCHLOE.com. On my way home to Detroit Lakes, I went to the Elk River Fair where I met another great sponsor, Dazzle Me Jewels. They were so sweet and gracious and I now have so many pieces of jewelry!! Seriously, I could get used to this!! Don’t be surprised if the next time you see me I look a little bit overdone with my accessories! Check out their website too at www.dazzlemejewels.com. Thank you to both sponsors for helping me look my best! Please patronize them if you can…I promise they won’t disappoint!
On Sunday, I was in the Detroit Lakes Water Carnival Parade. I was very excited about this parade because it is always the longest parade to watch (and be in), and it happens to be in my home town! There were so many people I knew along the route, which made it even more fun to wave at everyone and see them waving back and cheering for me! Again, we were blessed with great weather for a parade!

In between all my fun events, I also continued to work on Miss America paperwork, which was due this Monday (July 19th). As many of you know, I love to perform my original works on piano, so it was really difficult to decide what to play on the Miss America stage…and for only 90 seconds! Quite a task to ensure that all 48 documents were signed, sealed, and delivered on time and in order, but mission was accomplished!

From parades to birthday parties, to meeting inspiring people, and getting beautiful clothes and jewelry, the job of Miss Minnesota is a difficult one, as you can tell. I thank God every day for the people he has placed in my life and for the wonderful opportunity I have to make a big difference in others and myself.

Your friend in Christ,
Kathryn Knuttila
Miss Minnesota 2010

Home Sweet Home

This past Thursday (July 8th), I was in Isanti for the Isanti Rodeo Days Parade with my dear friend and supporter, Lisa McKinnis. Lisa operates “In His Steps” Dance Studio in Cambridge at the Willow Bridge Wellness Center. I had the opportunity to make an appearance there as Miss Twin Cities, and Lisa kindly invited me back as Miss Minnesota to join her float with all of her dance students. Being around all of these sweet girls made me wish all the more that my mother had put me in dance lessons! As we rode down the street we all smiled, waved and some of the girls even danced…now that’s talent to be able to dance on a moving trailer!

On Friday, I was at the Miss Northwest Pageant. It was so exciting to be in my hometown again! Hearing and seeing all of the support when I introduced myself and performed an original composition on piano was a bit overwhelming! Congratulations to Melissa Paakh on winning Miss Northwest, a senior in high school no less! We are all proud of Lexy Okeson, now former Miss Northwest, for her great job representing the northwest area at Miss Minnesota this year.

After a very busy first few weeks as Miss Minnesota with appearances, paperwork, recording my new CD “Blessed Beyond Measure” (available soon!), photoshoots, and more, I was blessed to spend most of Saturday with my family and close friend, Bethany Beniek (Miss Moorhead). Bethany and I participated in the Pelican Rapids Parade in the morning, and then Bethany was in for a whole new experience - water-skiing! If anyone comes to visit the Knuttila family at the lake, they can’t leave without at least trying to water ski. It’s not an option; it’s a rule! No doubt, it produces lots of fun and plenty of laughs!!


From fun to work. I am still working at the Catholic Church in Frazee as the music director so I was blessed to have Bethany sing with me at our Saturday mass. Then, Aja Majkrzak (Miss South Central) joined us on her violin for the Sunday mass. Both ladies are so talented; it was a great treat for the parish to hear such beautiful music!


After mass on Sunday, I was in a boat parade on Detroit Lake, which is an event they just added back into the Water Carnival this year. It was a perfect day for a boat parade; we couldn’t have asked for anything more with the warm sunshine mixed with a bit of a breeze. The best part was that my little nephews joined me on the boat to wave to everyone on the beach.

In the mix of pageant appearances and work, this weekend was also my opportunity to celebrate the birth of the most special man in my life - my dad! With so much focus on my year ahead as Miss Minnesota, it was nice to be able to place the focus on him for a day – he certainly deserves that and so much more! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

Have a blessed week!
Kathryn Knuttila
Miss Minnesota 2010

Celebrating the Spirit of America every day—my amazing job as Miss Minnesota 2010

I can't believe how fast the days are flying by and how much I’m able to fit into each day!

Thursday, June 24, I was invited to be a host for the Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare fundraiser at the Marriot in Roseville. I met so many fun people that night and was even able to sample some of the amazing desserts they provided. It was a very big event with free food and wine/martini samples for the guests, and there were too many silent auctions items to count! It was jam packed all night, so I hope they were able to raise a lot of funds for Gillette.

Before I headed out for the weekend, I was in the studio recording a CD of 12 of my original piano compositions. I will be selling them at all the events I can. All proceeds will go directly to the Children’s Miracle Network. I’ll keep you all posted as to when the CDs will be available.

Over the weekend, I went from one end of the state to the other to participate in local pageants that have already begun for the Miss Minnesota Class of 2011. I was in Winona Friday night, Brainerd Lakes Saturday night, and Marshall County Sunday afternoon. Congratulations to the past titleholders for your years of service and to the new titleholders for winning your titles. Minnesota has some very intelligent and talented young women being represented in our local pageant organization!

That whirlwind weekend was topped off Monday night when I met Miss America, Caressa Cameron, at the DSW store in the Mall of America. She was very sweet and personable! (DSW is Miss America’s official shoe sponsor.) It's so exciting to think I will be competing for Miss America’s incredible job in just a few short months!

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend. Let's celebrate the Spirit of America on this anniversary of our Independence.

Blessings,

Kathryn Knuttila

Miss Minnesota 2010