By Ben Cox
Photos/Submitted to The Source
The River Country Quilt Show is an annual summer tradition for area quilters. The weekend-long celebration of traditional quilting and fabric crafts runs July 25-26 this year at the Jacksonville High School.
Barbara Suelter, who helps organize the annual event, says large groups can expect a small discount for admission, “For the first time, we are offering a discount for admission tickets for groups of 20 or more.”
Suelter expects to have over 200 individuals exhibiting their quilts for the show. One quilt we be a small center of attention, Suelter says. The 2025 RCQS raffle quilt is designed by Scott Flanagan and is called “Soaring Voices.”
Suelter says it is a unique and beautiful piece, “It’s absolutely beautiful. Scott also designed the fabrics that are used in it, which I think is really cool.” The earth tones of the piece have subtle eloquence, which really highlight traditional quilting techniques with a look to current features. An appraisal will be provided to the winner by quilt show appraiser Hallye Bone. Proceeds from the quilt raffle and from the silent auction will be donated to the Jacksonville Area Museum this year.
Suelter says there will be yet another large field of vendors this year with some new ones attending, “This year we will have back Ma’s Got A Notion, Old Master’s Pen Shop and a few new ones — Bits & Pieces, Quiltology and one of the important ones, too, is we’re going to have a scissors sharpener this time. Last year, unfortunately, he couldn’t come, but this year he is back and that’s a big, big plus. We try to advertise that quite a bit. We’ll also have a couple of additional new ones: LJ Crafts, GI Creations and A.K.K.A. Creations.”
Bella Wedding and Event Design will be the concessions vendor for the weekend. Hallye Bone of St. Louis will again be providing quilt appraisals for $40 per quilt with paid admission. Appointments are already booked, but you may inquire further by calling at 217-248-1007. Attendees will also get to vote for their favorite quilt.
One of the most popular events of the weekend is the bed turnings. Suelter says it’s educational, historical and artistic to take part, “It’s a viewing of, in our particular case, antique quilts. All of the quilts must be at least 50 years old in order to be included in the bed turning. Essentially a bed turning is a series of quilts, in our case antiques, that I narrate about in the show. Sometimes it’s telling about the various designs. Sometimes we’re talking about fabrics that were used as well as caring for antique quilts. Sometimes I have narratives about the people who designed the quilt, who made the quilt, those kinds of things. It’s usually pretty fascinating for people and they really enjoy seeing all of the older quilts. I must admit this year I know for sure several that are being submitted and they’re gorgeous. They’re in wonderful shape, interesting designs and have excellent needle work. I am just really thrilled with some of the quilts we’re going to have this year.” Attendees can see the turning schedule upon entry to the event.
The 2025 River Country Quilt Show takes place on Friday, July 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It takes place at the Jacksonville High School, 1211 N. Diamond St. Admission price is for the entire weekend and is $10 per person. Out of town visitors (more than 20 miles outside of Morgan County) can request a special discount card to shop and eat in downtown Jacksonville; request a card by contacting the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-593-5678 or 217-243-5678. The visitors bureau can also help attendees locate hotel/motel accommodations for the weekend.
For further questions about the River Country Quilt Show, contact Barbara Suelter at 309-678-7716 or by email at bobarbara79@mchsi.com.
