The Union County Roy Acuff Museum was the place to be on October 5, 2024, during the Union County Heritage Festival if you wanted to view the exquisite handiwork of area quilters. Draped along the museum's upper floor were a spectrum of colors arranged and organized by Ellen Perry and Patricia Campbell. Among the 58 quilts were three antique quilts including a 103 years old hand made treasure and a vintage one quilted by the Amish. Ribbons were handmade to reflect the art of quilting and sewing. The judges bestowed these artistic awards to quilters in an assortment of categories.

Cheri Christie's quilt was Best of Show. Christie also received the honors of Best Heritage Festival Quilt and Best Small Quilt. Carolyn Camp claimed Best Small Holiday Quilt while Bonnie Peters had the Best Christmas Quilt. Patricia Walker was the best in two categories: Best Wall Hanging and Best Baby Quilt.

Patchwork quilts often tell a family story with cloth used from clothing worn at various times, sometimes milestone events. Francis Russell was presented the Best Large Patchwork, and Patricia Muncey received the Best Medium Patchwork Quilt and also the Best Large Machine-Made Quilt. Judges named Kim Beeler's quilt as the Best Large Holiday Quilt and she also was assigned the Best Machine Applique Quilt. Debra Viles was presented awards for the Best Large Quilt and the Best Traditional Quilt. Patriotic quilt awards went to Barbara McMahan for the Best Patriotic Quilt, Best Quilt of Valor, and Best Use of Color.

An array of hand made quilts adorned the museum. Mary Zachary and Travis Collins boasted the Best Hand Embroidery Quilt. Doris Coker had the Best Small Patchwork Quilt and the Best Child’s Quilt. Veronica Fox brought the Best Vintage Quilt. Sue Drinnon had the Best Heirloom Quilt and shared the Best Hand Applique award with Betty Hensley. Betty also received the award for the Best Large Handmade Quilt. Elizabeth Hewitt's quilt took the Best Antique Quilt award. Ruth Beason received the award for the Best Handmade Large Quilt. The judges granted the Best Medium Quilt ribbon to Nancy Murphy and the Best Quilt Design to Nancy Bailey.

Two youths entered three quilts in this year's show. Crete Cooke embroidered enough squares over several weeks to make a quilt. Grace Tindell used her sewing machine skill to make two patchwork quilts. Both youth received awards for their effort.

The Doyle Williams Band entertained visitors during the Quilt Show. The Union County Cemetery Association and Bonnie Peters offered a selection of informative books on Union County. Elizabeth Hewitt will give an informative talk on quilting including the Union County Murder Quilt at the Museum on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 2:30. The public is welcome at Elizabeth's program.

Plan to attend the 21st Heritage Quilt Show on Saturday, October 4, 2025.