Wooden quilt block revealed as organizers prepare for 2019 fair

The West End Fair’s first wooden quilt block was revealed recently during a brief ceremony.

The block hangs on the side of the Hay and Grain Building along County Park Road.

“We chose this building because it’s close to the road. There is a wooden quilt block trail on the internet. People can stop and take pictures at each location,” said Patricia Mackes, chair of the Wooden Quilt Block contest committee.

The block is the first in what will be an annual tradition.

Fair Queen Katarina Frantz pulled the rope, which tore down the white covering and revealed the design.

“This is an American flag block. It’s a symbol of patriotism. It is painted to look like a quilt block,” said Darlene Beers of Kunkletown.

She and her husband, Robert, worked on the wooden block for about two weeks.

Her design is an adaptation of one she saw in Eleanor Burns’ book, Quilt Blocks on American Barns.

“This was the first time I had done this. I have sewn many quilts. I have painted before. First time doing a wooden quilt block was a challenge,” she said.

When her design was selected by the committee, she painted it on a 4-by-4-foot board.

“This all started at a Pennsylvania fair convention in 2018. We got on fire about this wooden quilt blocks on barns. It sparked our interest to bring it to our fair,” said Mackes.

Beers was the only one to enter the 2018 Wooden Quilt Block Contest, which is sponsored by Erie Insurance, Agent Ken Serfass; and Longarm Charm Quilting LLC — Sharon Gower.

Mackes said she hopes more people enter this year’s contest. The rules and instructions for the 2019 contest are in the fair’s book and at www.thewestendfair.com.

The deadline to submit an entry for the 2019 contest is July 18.

The 98th annual West End Fair will take place Aug. 18-24 on the West End Fairgrounds in Gilbert. This year’s theme is Fairs Feature Agriculture.