BAY DE VERDE, N.L. — A celebration of handmade tradition and creativity titled Festival of Quilts takes place in Bay de Verde Aug. 16-18.
According to information provided by festival creator/coordinator Dee Riggs, the event brings together quilters from the Baccalieu Trail and surrounding areas to display their quilts in the halls and churches of Bay de Verde.
The communities of Bay de Verde, Red Head Cove and Grates Cove are located at the tip of the Baccalieu Trail. The communities are working together to attract visitors to the tip of the Baccalieu Trail.
The goal of the festival is to bring travellers to the area to see the quilts and to experience the area’s rich heritage and culture.
While this is the first year for the festival, the goal is to create a world class event which will attract internationally recognized quilters and judges.
There will be a competition for the best small wall quilt, as well as the best full-sized quilt.
The small quilts will focus on a theme of the sea and celebrate the area’s connection to the ocean, Riggs said.
The full-sized quilts are traditional quilts, often made by crafters in local quilting groups.
Story quilts will also be displayed.
“Story quilts are passed on from generation to generation. They have a historical and heritage style to them as well, because they are the ultimate form of function. Scraps from everything in the house were sewed together to make something that would keep someone warm,” Riggs said when contacted by telephone about the festival.
A vendors market and quilters’ cafe are also part of the festival.
As well, Riggs said, a makers’ session will take place on Aug. 17, led by Gillian Martin-Noonan.
The festival falls under the umbrella of the non-profit group Tourism Bay de Verde, Red Head Cove, and Grates Cove.
Riggs is the group’s treasurer, while Robin Quinlan (Quinlan Brothers) is chairperson and Mary Lou Hyde Riggs of the Baccalieu View Walking Trail is vice-chairperson.
The group hosts numerous events to highlight tourism by welcoming visitors to the area.
Quinlan Brothers has been instrumental in fuelling the tourism engine that is driving the events, Riggs said.
Quilters can still enter their quilts in the show, either in the competitive or non-competitive categories. Quilts can be dropped off at Storeloft Supply Ltd. until Aug. 14. The entry fee for up to three quilts is $20, and anyone entered in the competitive category will have the chance to win a gift basket.
For more information on the festival visit Festival of Quilts Bay de Verde, NL on Facebook or www.baydeverdetourism.com.
Festival Schedule Aug. 16-18
Friday
5 p.m. - Ecumenical Service and community blessing, RC Chapel
6-8 p.m. - opening reception at Bay de Verde Heritage House, refreshments will be served.
Saturday
Noon-1:30 p.m. - Makers’ session (venue to be announced later)
12-4 p.m. - Vendors market, with quilters café, RC Hall
12-4 p.m. - Tour the quilts, churches and halls
Sunday
12-4 p.m. - Tour the quilts
5 p.m. – Winners announcements
