News Summary
The second annual Shady Valley Festival of Quilts took place on April 11, 2025, drawing quilting enthusiasts and community supporters to the historic Shady Rock School. With impressive quilt displays, special exhibits, and heartwarming tributes, the festival fostered a spirit of camaraderie and appreciation among attendees. The event featured vendors, demonstrations, and honored a veteran with a Quilt of Valor. All proceeds supported local community initiatives, ensuring the festival’s impact extended beyond just a day of celebration.
Shady Valley Comes Alive With Quilts: Festival Celebrates Craftsmanship and Community Spirit!
Shady Valley was buzzing with excitement on April 11, 2025, as the second annual Shady Valley Festival of Quilts brought together crafting enthusiasts and community supporters alike. This delightful event took place in the historic Shady Rock School, which has evolved from a former elementary school into a vibrant community hub! With approximately 50 stunning quilts on display, festival-goers had plenty to admire.
Best in Show and Other Highlights
This year’s festival had more than just quilts to offer. Chris McCallum snagged the coveted Best in Show award for her remarkable quilt, showcasing the high level of skill and creativity from local artisans. The festival also featured a special exhibit titled “Fancy and Frugal” by Vicky Coleman from Lexington, KY, who presented a collection of quilts from the 1930s, shedding light on the history and evolution of quilting as a craft.
A Touch of Honor
As part of the festivities, a heartwarming ceremony was held to honor a remarkable 92-year-old veteran, Thomas Robertson, who received a Quilt of Valor. Such moments of recognition truly encapsulate the festival’s spirit of community support, and visitors felt a wave of appreciation as they witnessed this touching tribute.
Gathering from Near and Far
Folks from all walks of life flocked to the festival, with attendees traveling from nearby towns like Boone and Kingsport, as well as from places as far off as West Virginia and sunny Florida! The sense of camaraderie and shared passion for quilting was evident, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendliness.
Vendors, Activities, and More!
Crafty vendors from four different states showcased their unique wares, offering much-needed quilting supplies and delightful merchandise for every enthusiast. From beautiful fabrics to handy tools, visitors were in quilting heaven! A highlight was the old-fashioned bed-turning demonstration, skillfully led by Vicky Coleman, which drew quite the crowd, allowing attendees to witness the intricate process of quilt-making firsthand.
For those who came hungry, scrumptious snacks and refreshments were available, keeping the energy flowing throughout the day! The festival opened its doors bright and early at 10 a.m., and with various competitive quilt shows and engaging activities, there was truly something for everyone.
Supporting the Community
What made this festival even more special was its mission to give back to the community. All proceeds from the event went directly toward supporting the Shady Rock School’s ongoing upkeep and revitalization efforts. This initiative has transformed the old school into a beloved community hub, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.
Visitors also had the chance to take advantage of a handy scissor sharpening station, ensuring that their crafting tools were in top shape for future projects. The buzz surrounding the diverse range of fabrics and crafts available was palpable, and attendees expressed their excitement as they explored the stalls and chatted with fellow quilting lovers.
Looking Ahead
As the day came to a close, festival organizer Tammy Love reflected on the success of this year’s event, noting that it was “bigger and better” than the previous year. And the love didn’t stop there—additional ceremonies to honor even more veterans are already on the horizon, ensuring that the spirit of gratitude continues to thrive.
The Shady Valley Festival of Quilts brought together the essence of community, talent, and a shared passion for crafting. Whether it was the vibrant displays, the touching tributes, or the new friendships formed, it was a day to remember, and everyone left with full hearts and inspiration to create their very own masterpieces!
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Additional Resources
- The Tomahawk: Patchwork of Talent Quilts Take Center Stage
- Wikipedia: Quilting
- WJHL: Shady Valley’s Festival of Quilts
- Google Search: Shady Valley Festival of Quilts
- Johnson City Press: Race Day at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Google Scholar: Community Festivals Impact
- Johnson City Press: Racing Personalities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Festivals
- HC Press: Shady Valley Cranberry Festival
- Google News: Quilt Festival Highlights
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
