Massive Avon Quilt/Craft Show To Have Patriotic Flair

AVON, CT — More than 200 modern and historic quilts will be displayed atthe Avon Congregational Church this weekend as part of a two-day Quilt Show and Craft Fair celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m., at the church, 6 West Main St.

Admission is $10 for adults, while children ages 12 and younger can attend for free. Proceeds will benefit the church's programs.

The show is part of Avon's America 250 celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Organized by quilter Susan Elliott, the exhibition will feature more than 200 antique and contemporary quilts displayed throughout the church's historic 1819 meetinghouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Quilts will be draped from balconies and displayed in pews, classrooms, and hallways.

The exhibition will include works from individual quilters, collectors, and historical organizations, including the Avon Historical Society, Simsbury Historical Society, Mountain Laurel Appliqué Society, Farmington Valley Quilt Guild, and Central Connecticut Modern Quilt Guild.

Quilter Brenda Day will also be among the contributors.

Visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite quilts, with 10 ribbons to be awarded.

One of the featured attractions will be the upper section of the Farmington River Quilt, a collaborative project featuring 25 individual quilts created by different artists.

The quilts depict the Farmington River as it flows through Collinsville, Unionville, Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Tariffville, and Windsor.

In addition to the quilt exhibition, the event will include a craft fair in the church's Fellowship Hall, where vendors will sell handmade items.

The Quilt Show Café will also offer lunch.

Two raffles are planned during the weekend.

A 58-inch-square "Red, White and Blue Patriotic Quilt" will be raffled, with tickets available for $2 each.

The quilt is based on a 2009 pattern designed by Debby Kratovil called Blackford's Beauty, incorporating the Blackford's Beauty and Stepping Stone blocks.

Tickets for the patriotic quilt raffle will be available at the event and may also be purchased beforehand through the church and at some America 250 events.

A separate basket raffle will feature items donated by organizations and individuals. Tickets will cost $1 each and will be sold during the show.

Winners do not need to be present for either raffle.

The nearby Avon Museum will also be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Regular Sunday worship services at Avon Congregational Church will continue at 10 a.m. on Oct. 18, surrounded by the displayed quilts. The service is open to the public.

Parking will be available beside the church and across Route 10 in the church parking lot near the post office.

For additional information, contact show chair Susan Elliott at 860-748-1775, call Avon Congregational Church at 860-678-0488, or visit www.avon-church.org.

For more information, including images of the quilts, click on this link.