The seventh annual Festival of Quilts continues to stitch together the fabric of the community here.
Cheryl Westlake has owned Alice’s Quilt Shoppe in Erin, since moving there in 2003. Several years ago, the local BIA was looking for ideas for an event at Easter. While an Easter Egg hunt was one of the original ideas, Westlake suggested an indoor quilt show.
Though her thoughts were based on an outdoor show she was familiar with, Westlake wanted an indoor show because of unpredictable weather.
Erin BIA members liked the idea.
Merchants in the town place quilts brought to them to display in their store front windows. The quilts are on view to be enjoyed by residents and visitors as they drive, stroll and shop through the town.
Some quilts are displayed at the businesses as well as viewed through windows.
They can be found at the local liquor store, wine store, retail stores, banks, and the grocery store.
Westlake said it gives people a chance to see the quilts and explore the community.
Each year, displays grow to more stores and they can be seen from April 14 through 22.
Businesses showing the quilts stretch from the south end of the village north to the commercial sector by Tim Hortons.
Westlake said the show “is usually held close to Easter and is a great way to beat winter blahs and welcome spring type weather.”
The quilts on display are mostly made by members of the Erin Village Quilters group and guests.
It sends notices of the festival to various quilt groups and other public places like libraries, to expand the audience.
Westlake added that for some, viewing the quilts brings back fond memories – like their own grandmothers making quilts.
Also during the Festival of Quilts will be the annual spring Shop Hop with Alice’s Quilt Shoppe in Erin and Undercover Quilts and More in Fergus.
That event starts April 19 and continues until the end of the Quilt Festival
For more information contact Westlake at 519-833-0444.
