WyBlog

West Cape May police ask 'Mystery Knitter' to apply for permit

In a town that holds annual festivals celebrating the lima bean and the tomato, West Cape May residents pride themselves on being part of a quirky, artsy community.

So when colorful knitted scarves mysteriously started popping up around trees in Wilbraham Park in January, folks there were more amused than surprised at this latest artistic expression.

They call it the case of the Mystery Knitter, and these homemade works have taken on a life of their own, attracting international attention to this tiny Jersey Shore community and brightening an otherwise long, drab winter.

"It's just something nice, something fun, something light," said Mayor Pam Kaithern. "It's not war, political fights, health care discussion. It's a nice diversion."

Police Capt. Rob Sheehan showed up at Diane Flanegan's shop Thursday to ask her and her husband to reveal the identity of the Mystery Knitter if they know it.

"We don't know the identity and we don't want to know," she said. "We've had such a hard winter here. To me, it s just delightful. I love it," Flanegan said.

Sheehan said he's not looking to get the Mystery Knitter in trouble. He just wants the person (or people) to get the appropriate permits from borough officials to adorn public spaces.