Dexter group to raffle quilt at hot dog festival
DEXTER — Summertime in Maine is typified by fairs and festivals featuring fun, food and raffles. This year at Dexter’s Hot Dog Festival on Saturday, Aug. 10, the Dexter Public Health Association will raffle a summery quilt called “Sidewalk Chalk” by its creator, Rosemarie O’Toole.
The bright raspberry, yellow, green and blue shades of color on a white background recall the happy feeling of cool snowcones on a hot summer day. Cool Maine nights in summer, on the other hand, are an invitation to snuggle under this queen-size quilt after the festival is over.
Contributed photo
Shirley Grant, left, and creator Rosemarie O’Toole, both veteran quilters and members of the Dexter Public Health Association, display O’Toole’s quilt “Sidewalk Chalk,” which the association is raffling off.
Rosemarie O’Toole is a Dexter resident who has been quilting for over 30 years. She co-leads the popular quilt club and teaches quilting at The Commons at Central Hall in Dover-Foxcroft. Each summer, she volunteers at Maine Quilts, a statewide quilt show in Augusta. She is a member of the Dexter Public Health Association.
Another Dexter Public Health Association member, Dexter resident and veteran 25-year quilter, Shirley Grant, assisted O’Toole with the final block assembly and delivered the piece to long-arm quilter Edith Rideout in Mattawamkeag. Rideout is well-known by quilters throughout the country for her work. The quilt stitch pattern “Whimsical Cloud” was used to complete the project.
Quilt-making is part of the rich historical culture and lore of this country and many countries of the world. A quilt harkens to a particular time, event, and place giving it special meaning. This year’s quilt is a unique creation for the winner to enjoy and cherish.
Raffle tickets are $2 each or four for $6. They can be purchased in Dexter at the library, the town office, Snowflakes, and from DPHA members. The quilt can be viewed at the Abbott Memorial Library.
The proceeds from the raffle support the free, in-home nursing services rendered by Dexter Public Health professionals. The services are free to any resident of Dexter, Garland or Ripley regardless of income.