Judge Robert Newsome, Mayor John Sellers and former Mayor Lydia Bryant will have a hand in this year’s Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s annual Quilt Show by naming their choice of “Pride of County”, “Pride of Downtown”, and “Best Use of Color” from the over 120 quilts entered in the show. The quilts will be hung for display inside The Roc, 115 Putman Street, on Friday September 15 from 9-5 and Saturday September 16 from 9-3. Admission to the show is $5 person with children age 12 and under admitted free. You will want to bring the kids because there’s a special activities section designed just for them, with instructor Melissa Bonser.
In addition to perusing the rows of hanging quilts, and special exhibits, please include time to hear speakers Lisa Erlandson and Trish Stuart and to participate in a Silent Auction with proceeds to Hurricane Harvey victims. You’ll also want to visit the Trinkets and Treasures Quilt Store and view the Raffle Quilt “Feathers in My Jelly” an original design created and quilted by guild members, which someone will take home at the conclusion of the show.
The Sulphur Springs annual show is “on the circuit” of judged quilt shows around Northeast Texas, attracting visitors from several states who like to see quilts, have entered quilts or are learning the craft. The local quilt guild takes pride in being one of the only “small towns” with a heritage of shows on this scale. According to Standbridge, it’s success is due in part to the cash prizes sponsored by generous local merchants and business people. This year’s visitor turnout is expected to be even larger due to the first annual Brick Street Vintage Market downtown Saturday on Main and Connally Streets, as well as the 17 restaurants and specialty food stores plus wineries, galleries, antiques, boutiques and gourmet shops within a half-block walking distance of the square. Quilt Show visitors will be encouraged to shop and eat in the downtown district.
Billie Ruth and husband George Standbridge retired to her hometown of Sulphur Springs a number of years ago. Along with friend Deanna Hasten, Billie Ruth helped form the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild almost 20 years ago and was part of the momentum which established the Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance.
Billie Ruth Standbridge, Quilt Show Committee
