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Hit the trail for quilts

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce is introducing B.C.’s first barn quilt trail.
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Volunteers Carol Coonie (left) and Yvette Richoux work on pieces for the Armstrong Spallumcheen barn quilt trail

It’s a first for the province.

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce is introducing B.C.’s first barn quilt trail.

Barn quilts tell stories of historical significance and act as a means of guiding visitors to rural areas and businesses.

“Barn quilts are a form of rural graffiti that honour quilters and the textile arts as well as drawing attention to Armstrong-Spallumcheen’s important agricultural heritage,” said Patti Noonan, chamber executive director.

“It’s an enticement for travellers to get off the highway and explore our beautiful rural areas.”

The first phase of the North Okanagan Shuswap Barn Quilt Trail will be revealed Sunday at Fieldstone Organics’ Come Taste the Valley event.

Each quilt pattern is made up of blocks that form a colourful image.

The patterns chosen for this phase include: Bear’s Paw, Basket, Friendship’s Circle, Dove in the Window, Wreath, Storm at Sea and Farmer’s Daughter.

The barn quilts are hand painted on four-foot-by-eight-foot or eight-by-eight plywood and mounted to a wooden frame which is then attached to the barn or outbuilding.

Each quilt square design has been chosen by the host site for the significance to that site.

This is a self-guided trail and consists of six barn quilts with about six more scheduled for completion and unveiling in October 2016 at Armstrong’s annual Pumpkin Fest and about 17 more are planned for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in 2017.

“We are very excited to reveal the first loop of the trail,” said Noonan.

“This truly has been a community project. From donations of supplies, the design, painting and framing of the barn quilts to quilt hosts and promotion, we couldn’t have started this project without support of local businesses and residents.”

The project has been done in partnership with the Community Tourism Committee, Quilting For You, Shepherd’s Home Hardware and Outdoor Living Centre, Tolko and volunteers.

Visitors can pick up maps at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce or check out the North Okanagan Shuswap Barn Quilt Trail on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram feeds as well as www.aschamber.com.

For more information, call 250-546-8155 or e-mail staff@aschamber.com.