Quilt celebrates historic Columbiana County Fair

LISBON, Ohio – In order to celebrate Columbiana County’s historical grandstand and draw attention to the many activities that go on during the county fair, board member Bob Stark and Sharen Cope put their heads together.
Fundraiser. Based on an earlier fundraiser Cope had assisted, she would make a quilt to be raffled off at the conclusion of this year’s fair.
The colors of the quilt are red, white, black and gray.
The very center of the quilt features the grandstand in a photograph that shows the early race track, the grandstand and judge’s stand.
The first fair was held in the fall of 1846, but the actual grounds were not opened until 1853.
Surrounding the photo of the grandstand is an archway. Outside the center are 12 Ohio star blocks.
Activities. In the center of each block, an activity of the county fair is machine embroidered: harness racing, team penning, swine, cattle, demolition derby, antique tractors, rabbits, draft horses, the midway, goats and sheep, 4-H, horses and poultry.
The Ohio star blocks are surrounded by two rows of pin wheel blocks.
At the four corners of the pinwheel rows, the “wheel on down” design is embroidered in the upper left and lower right corners; a 4-H block is in the lower left corner; and a block that features the outlined shape of Ohio, the state bird – the cardinal – as well as the state flower – the carnation.
Measurements. The quilt itself measures 120 inches long by 115 inches wide, and is entirely hand quilted by Sharen.
Sharen admits that she did insert a little personal item in the quilt: The harness horse quilt block shows a pacer, and the driver is wearing black and white silks.
This was done as a tribute to her father, Glade Morrison, who raised, trained and drove his own horses and also raced at the Lisbon Track during the late 1950s and early ’60s.
“It is my hope that whoever wins this quilt will view it as a treasure of the history behind not only the grandstand at the fairgrounds, but also to all of the wonderful people who provide the activities and animals that are part of the fair.”
On display. The quilt will be on display throughout the local area from now until July 30 when the fair begins.
Proceeds will be used to restore and repair the grandstands.
The week of the fair, it will be on display in the arts and crafts building. The winning ticket will be drawn in front of the grandstands Aug. 5 at noon, prior to the combine demolition derby.
The winner need not be present. Tickets cost for $1 each or six tickets for $5.
Anyone interested in displaying the quilt at an event or wishing to purchase tickets should contact Tresa Hall at the fair office, 330-424-5531.