Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Nicki the fire truck doesn't fight fires anymore. This pink traveling memorial spreads love and hope in support of women who have cancer, and she's coming to the Kaw Valley Rodeo for Tough Enough to Wear Pink night on Friday, July 26.

Held in conjunction with the Riley County Fair, the rodeo will be at 8 p.m. in Wells Arena in CiCo Park, Manhattan. The Kaw Valley Rodeo Association's Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign supports Kansas State University's Johnson Cancer Research Center, which directs all donations to cancer research and student training at the university.

Nicki will be parked at the north end of the fair, close to the arena entrance, by 1 p.m. Visitors who have lost loved ones to cancer are encouraged to sign the truck.

Nicki belongs to the Wichita chapter of Guardians of the Ribbon, a group of firefighters and their families and friends who drive Nicki to cancer-related events around the state and beyond to help philanthropies raise money for their local cancer-related causes. It is named after Nicki Janne, a retired firefighter's wife who survived stage 3 breast cancer and is a member of the chapter.

This special event is sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan, 410 S. Third St., where the visiting members of the Guardians of the Ribbon will receive a free night's stay.