The Ozark Folk Center State Park will present a special display of dozens of historic quilts on Friday, Oct. 2, as part of a tradition known as the Airing of the Quilts. The quilts, drawn from a collection curated over the years by the Committee of One Hundred for the Ozark Folk Center, are usually stored in breathable bags at the park's Quilt Shop, where space permits only one or two quilts to be displayed at a time.
The event, to be held in the park’s Craft Village, commemorates a once-common seasonal chore in the Ozark region. Historically, families stored quilts in trunks or cabinets during the summer and aired them out in the fall. The sunlight and fresh air helped prevent pests and mold. A similar airing would usually occur in the spring before the quilts were packed away again for warmer months.
Visitors to the Craft Village will have the opportunity to walk among the quilts, examine their intricate stitching, and learn the often personal stories behind each piece. The event is included with standard Craft Village admission, priced at $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.
The Craft Village operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Ozark Folk Center State Park is located at 1032 Park Ave. in Mountain View, less than a mile from the town square. The park can be accessed via Highway 5/9/14 to Jimmy Driftwood Parkway.
For those interested in an overnight stay, the park offers accommodations at the Cabins at Dry Creek. Reservations can be made by calling 800-264-3655. More information about the quilt display and other events can be obtained by calling 870-269-3854 or visiting OzarkFolkCenter.com.