The Central New York Maple Festival will celebrate their 21st annual quilt show this year. The newest quilt category is for children up to 16 years of age. There will be 7 categories in the contest. You will find mini quilts, wall hangings, clothing, traditional, appliquéd, small quilted items and accessories like potholders and table runners.  This special quilt exhibition will be held in the Baptist Christian Academy  (MCA) gymnasium on Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
      Carol Verfuss and Lon Hayes started the quilt show in 1987 at the First Baptist Church gymnasium. Through the years the show has grown in size and beauty.  “We welcome all types of quilts for the exhibit,” said Diane Couch, chairperson. Last year there were 100 entries that filled the gymnasium with beautiful colors and textures. It is an experience for the eyes as you view quilts hanging from the balcony and specially designed stands.
      The weekend’s special activities include a demonstration of the technique of hand-piecing quilt blocks together and other live demonstrations. There will be a special children’s activity 
that will let them explore the art of quilting. It’s free and fun.      
     Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite quilt. The viewer's choice awards will be presented at the close of the show on Sunday. First place winners will receive a ribbon and jug of maple syrup. Second and third place contestants are awarded ribbons.    
     “We have sent out information around the area to encourage people to contact us and bring in their quilts. A person may have their grandmother’s quilt tucked away for safe keeping, we would love to display family heirlooms, along with any other quilts,” stated Couch. 
     Anyone who wishes to exhibit a quilt or quilted item can bring their items to the Baptist Christian Academy’s gymnasium on Friday, April 4 between 6 and 8 p.m. or on Saturday from 7:30-8:30 am. The quilt show is free to the public. For further information or to pre-register, please call Diane Couch at (607) 849-6347 . You can also reach her at couchcreations@yahoo.com