For Immediate Release
More Information: Dave Fooks, 610-683-1537 ;
email: dave@kutztownfestival.com
Photos Available Upon Request
2008 KUTZTOWN FESTIVAL QUILT SALE, LARGEST IN THE NATION, REFLECTS A PROUD HERITAGE
The quilts at Kutztown Festival's 2008 quilt show and sale will reflect a Pennsylvania German tradition that is 150 years old. The festival will be held June 28 – July 6 at the Kutztown Fairgrounds.
How a practical covering made from left-over material evolved into a prized work of art is an interesting story and reflects a proud heritage. In the middle of the 19 th century, Pennsylvania German women got together for a social time that included sewing scraps of spare cloth together to make a blanket or cover. In those frugal days, people found a purpose for everything and nothing was wasted.
Over time, many colorful quilts were created and, as well as providing comfort and warmth, became tasteful decorations in Pennsylvania German homes and, eventually, heirlooms passed through generations in families.
The essence of creating quilts has changed very little since those early times. True Pennsylvania Dutch quilts are still hand-made, representing countless of hours of dedicated work. The quilts displayed and sold at the Kutztown Festival follow in this tradition. Local Mennonite and Amish women make most of the quilts. Each is a creation of its own and they are all beautiful. Quilts are accepted for the festival following a competitive juried process.
The quilt show and sale have become famous across the eastern United States . Now the largest quilt sales event in the nation, the show draws the attention of thousands of visitors each day at the Festival. Quilts from crib size to king size are available, and a knowledgeable sales staff is available to help visitors.
From 100 outstanding quilts in the show, twenty-four are awarded top honors, and from these quilts four are designated as the best of the show. Visitors can view the prize-winning quilts during all nine days of the Festival. The quilt auction on the second Saturday of the festival is the highlight of the show and is attended by large numbers of bidders from the Middle Atlantic region and beyond. Each year over the past five years, records have been set for the highest price paid for an individual prize quilt.
Practical hands-on opportunities for visitors to help create a quilt will be part of the fun at the festival. The visitors' quilt is made one patch at a time and collectively represents the efforts of hundreds of visitors to the festival. The result will be the 2007 visitors' quilt which will be on display with all of the other visitors' quilts made in previous years.
In addition, quilting demonstrations and quilting bees are held throughout the nine days of the festival.
Now in its 59th year, the Kutztown Festival features a wide variety of good family fun. In addition to lots of Pennsylvania Dutch food, there are numerous folklife and living history presentations; 220 nationally-recognized, juried folk artists and traditional American craftsmen; antiques and collectables, 6 stages of entertainment, music, dancing, and a wide range of children's activities.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $12, seniors $11. Children 12 and under are admitted free. There is ample free parking and free shuttle service is offered from the Festival parking areas to the fairgrounds. For a free brochure, please call 1-888-674-6136 or 610-683-1597. Visit the Festival website at http://www.kutztownfestival.com
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