Two different events for Huntsville for April 30-May 2

A I R I N G   O F  T H E   Q U I L T S  on May 1, 2010 one day only event

This is one of my favorite events  here in Huntsville. It is a sight to see.

Ladies in the pioneer days  brought their beloved quilts with them when coming to Texas in the covered wagons and they lovingly cared for them as treasured possessions. Each Spring, the ladies would "air" their quilts in the sunshine following long winter days and lots of usage.
This is why the event is called Airing of the Quilts.
This show is the largest quilt show in Texas. There are usually about 400 quilts displayed.

Each year they  have a master quilter to do workshops and there will be vendors set up as well as displays

of quilts and selling of quilts. This year the workshops will be conducted by Quilter and teacher Karen Kay Buckley. 

As you can see these quilters are quite to preserving this skill and even advertise on their vehicles.The Tall Pines Quilt Guild are the sponsors.

These pictures were taken last year prior to the crowds arriving at 9am. We have about 5000 people attending the event. This event is one day only on May 1 and is  located in the downtown area around the courthouse square and surrounding blocks. 
At right is our friend Bette who is involved in anything that happens in Huntsville. She was instrumental in bringing all the antique stores to the downtown area and works tirelessly in preserving the uniqueness  of our town.

S A M    H O U S T O N  FOLK FESTIVAL                    held April 30 through May 2.
In addition to this also going on this weekend is the General Sam Houston Folk Festival which I have covered before in my blog. I will run some of those pictures by  again in case you are new to my blog. This event lasts from Friday April 30 through  Sunday May 2 and held at the nearby Museum grounds.
There are many vendors selling everything from root beer to kettle corn, with face painting for the kids, groups showing how to make and load a bullet  as in the pioneer days, cooking on a fireplace, washing clothes with a washboard and lye soap, and other essentials of daily living for pioneers to survive in the harsh places they settled in the mid 1800's.

All ethnic groups that lived in Texas in this period are represented here.
There are folklife demonstrations, cultural displays, entertainment and museum tours.
The Scots have their highland games during this time and have a booth set up on the grounds.

The old cannon is fired every 30 minutes and makes you almost jump out of your skin when you first hear it but after a couple of firings you become used to it. Kids love it!!!!

Below is the African American booth.

Several stages are set up with performers every 30 minutes.

There are lots of things to do and see at the Festival. People return year after year. On Friday they bus in about 4000 5th graders from schools all over Texas for this learning,  yet fun event. I would not choose that for your first visit day until after 3 pm when they must leave.

 There is live music and performances from the Ballet Folklorico, Celtic Menagerie, Golden Peacock,Sahawe Indian dancers, with living history theater, story tellers, ongoing all day every day of the event.
There are strolling characters from Huntsville of that day dressed in period costumes.

I really enjoy this each and every year.If you are nearby and can get here, come on and see what it is all about. You will love Huntsville. There are 2 B&B's and plenty of hotels if you decide to stay the night
with us.