CARP – Be a part of Carp Fair history using the skills of the homecrafter.

“As part of this year’s Carp Fair the fair board, in keeping with this year’s theme ‘Connected to the Community, Committed to the People’ is offering another connection to the community,” fair staff released in a statement. “This year you, your business, your organization, or anyone you would like is invited to come to the fair office and pick up a blank Barn Quilt Board and create a beautiful work of art that can last many years.”

A barn quilt is a large piece of wood that is painted to look like a quilt block. Even though the name implies an entire quilt is painted onto the wood it generally is only a single quilt block. After they are painted, these blocks are hung on the exterior of a barn, house, garage or other building.

“There are future hopes to create a Barn Quilt Trail in the community,” staff said. “There is a barn quilt on the exterior of the Carp Fair Exhibit hall, that was created and presented in 2013 as part of the 150th Carp Fair celebrations to the Carp Fair from some very generous past presidents and directors.”

Barn quilt boards will be available in the Fair Office after July 8. For those who express interest before July 5.

“There are a limited number of boards available so please let the office know by phone, Facebook message, or email, that you will be taking part, so that we can pick up and reserve a board for you,” staff said. “The Carp Fair will welcome the completed barn quilts back to the fairgrounds by Sept. 1. A committee will choose a few of the completed quilts to be displayed fair weekend. All barn quilts will be returned to their creators after fair weekend.

The general instructions on how to create a Barn Quilt can be found here.

“If you have any questions please feel free to call or text Jolene Dickson 613-859-2323,” staff said. “To make sure you reserve your board call 613-839-2172 or e-mail info@carpfair.ca.”