And you thought switching to a more visible affiliation didn’t make a difference? Not so, if you judge by the interest in this year’s Cedar Rapids Kernels’ Hot Stove Banquet.

Here is a release from the ballclub:

17^th Annual Hot Stove Banquet approaching a sell-out!

Cedar Rapids, IA – Fewer than 75 tickets remain for the 17th Annual Hot Stove Banquet and Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan, scheduled for Thursday, January 17th at the Cedar Rapids Marriott Hotel.

The 17th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will include a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia and local items, the first Cedar Rapids appearance of the Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan as well as the induction of the Class of 2013 into the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame. This year’s Hall of Fame Class includes Alex Monchak, Pat Harmon, Casey Kotchman, Trevor Hoffman and Jim Curran.

This is the first time the Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan has visited Cedar Rapids and will feature Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and bench coach Terry Steinbach; Twins mascot TC Bear; shortstop Brian Dozier; 2013 Kernels manager Jake Mauer; a roundtable discussion with Q&A sessions and autographs. Dick Bremer, the Twins play-by-play broadcaster on Fox Sports North, will emcee the Twins Winter Caravan.

Proceeds from this event help the Kernels Foundation accomplish its vision of ensuring that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience the thrills and life-enhancing lessons that come from engaging in athletics and recreational activities.

Tickets for the Hot Stove Banquet are $35, with advance tickets sales ending Monday, January 14th. Tickets will be available at the door for $40. Tickets can be purchased at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium during regular business hours 9 AM to 5 PM, on-line at www.kernels.com, or by phone by calling (319) 363-3887.

KCRG TV-9 and Cumulus Media stations KRNA, KHAK, KDAT and KRQN are proud media sponsors of the 17th Annual Hot Stove Banquet.

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