Czarsty’s father is a family doctor who has worked with Hatian refugees in the Dominican Republic.
“I always admired my father’s passion for the refugees in Haiti,” she said. “When I heard that some of the founding members (of PACE) had been to Haiti to do volunteer work, I thought it was a cool connection.”
Czarsty said she is looking forward to her first Sweaterfest.
“I think it’s going to be a really fun event,” she said, “and we’re kind of starting off the holidays with a good cause.”
Providing entertainment for the tacky knitwear party will be the upbeat bluegrass sounds of local band The Jugbusters. It has performed at every annual Sweaterfest since its inception three years ago.
“They were really excited to be asked to play,” Griffin said. “They play such high-energy bluegrass. It keeps everyone dancing all night.”
In addition to flat-footing and two-stepping to The Jugbusters, Sweaterfest attendees will have the chance to buy raffle tickets to win prizes from local merchants, including Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill and On a Whim gift store.
There will also be a contest for donning the tackiest holiday garb, which is judged by the crowd’s reaction to a dance-off.
Phipps offered advice for this year’s contestants.
“If you know how to flat-foot that helps,” he said, “but I’m pretty sure last year the guy was doing the robot and the girl was doing some sort of Riverdance.”
To find a sweater worthy of the coveted ‘’Tackiest Sweater’’ title, there are always treasures to be found at the Blacksburg Goodwill and YMCA Thrift Store. However, Jarnigan recommended visiting the Montgomery County Thrift Store to find the perfect festive frock.
“Everything there is 50 cents or a dollar,” she said, “and all proceeds go to help local families who are in need.”
Jarnigan herself is already prepared for the event.
“My sweater has big teddy bears all over it and little bear buttons,” she said. “Plus I’m wearing my deer antlers again. It’s pretty ridiculous.”
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