Published: April 12, 2008 09:46 pm      

Largest outdoor quilt show in Texas set for May 3-4

The Tall Pines Quilt Guild will host what is recognized as the largest outdoor quilt show and market in Texas on May 3.

The seventh annual Airing of the Quilts will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Huntsville in conjunction with the Gen. Sam Houston Folk Festival.

The festival will be held May 3-4 on the grounds of the Sam Houston Museum.

More than 300 quilts will be displayed outside the Walker County Courthouse, around the shops and stores, as well as between the lampposts in downtown Huntsville on the Square.

“It will be an event you’ll be looking forward to year after year,” says Harold Hutcheson, Huntsville Main Street’s Program manager.

“The Airing of the Quilts event continues today based on the tradition women practiced in pioneer days,” Hutcheson said. “Ladies would bring their treasured quilts to Texas and, each spring, would ‘air’ their quilts in the sunshine following long winter days and lots of usage.”

Hutcheson said the quilt guild hopes the Airing of the Quilts increases the public’s awareness and appreciation of the art form of quilting.

“It can also educate, encourage, and preserve the heritage and future of quilting, and provide an encouraging environment for quilters to showcase and share their hard-work and creativity,” Hutcheson said.

“Not only are the featured quilts available to be admired, but many of them are also for sale,” he said. “The profits go to numerous organizations for community service such as the SAAFE House, the Pregnancy Care Center, and Child Protective Services, among others, for children in crisis.”

Other activities planned include vendors selling quilting accessories such as supplies, quilt-related gifts, and food and other refreshments.

Four restaurants on the square will be open, Hutcheson said.

For more information, phone (936) 295-2150 or visit the Tall Pines Quilt Guild Web site at www.tallpinesquiltguild.com.