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The Upper Cumberland Quilt Festival (U.C.Q.F.) was organized in
1988 as a major fundraiser for the Algood Senior Citizens Center
and has continued to be an annual event for the City of Algood
and for the Upper Cumberland Region. It provides an opportunity
for showcasing the quilts of women and men of the region, state
and surrounding states.
“The U.C.Q.F. mission continues to be “To preserve the art and
heritage of quilting and related arts, showcase quilts and
needle arts, and provide education and a meeting place of
experts in the related fields”.
The festival has grown each year in number and quality of quilts
displayed.. Quilt Guilds from the Upper Cumberland have
displayed their guild’s quilts in historic homes for the past
several years. Attendees have been able to participate in a
“Quilt Walk” to view quilts and homes. This has created interest
not only in the fine quilts but also in the local architectural
history of Algood. The latest project associated with the
festival is the “Quilt Trail” where quilt patterns are painted
on beautiful area barns.
This festival has been made possible through the support of the
community and Tennessee Arts Commission grants. Local school
children have been involved in various ways through the years.
Art Classes at Algood and Baxter Schools painted patterns on
blocks to be attached to barns.
The Algood School Library has participated by having a quilt
show in their library during the festival, using that
opportunity to teach children about quilts. It is one of the
sites open during the festival. Local City officials, Chamber
of Commerce, Trinity Assembly Church, Algood United Methodist
Church, Algood Furniture Store, and Burton’s Chapel Methodist Church, have provided
space and have been involved each year of the festival. Masters
Health Care has provided financial support, a quilt show in
their dining room and staff to help with the festival. Local
banks have provided sponsorship, with Jackson Bank & Trust being
this year’s sponsor. Local radio, newspaper, television and
magazines have provided advertising. The Algood Senior Center
members (especially quilters) have ownership and pride in the
festival and have participated in all the activities.
A new and very successful feature was
added to the Festival in 2008 in the form of a Preview Show and Dinner
with a quilt and cake auction to raise additional funds. With this
feature new clientele participated as participants and contributors.
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