Tickets are now available for the Irricana Centennial raffle.
There are three handmade prizes up for grabs, each with an old-time country theme.
“We really wanted to keep the significance of the… pieces to connect to our historical roots,” said Brenda Campbell, Irricana’s economic development officer.
First prize is a double-sized log cabin quilt, hand pieced by long-time Irricana resident Gwen Morris. Cotton and Candy Quilting of Strathmore donated the long-arm quilting.
The quilt, which is valued at $1,200, is heirloom quality, and is made of neutral colours in the historical log cabin pattern. The orange centre block represents the hearth of the home.
“I enjoyed doing it,” said Morris, who also made a quilt for Irricana when Alberta celebrated its centennial in 2005. “Sewing is my passion and I like to see other people enjoying it.”
Second prize is an original watercolour painting by Campbell.
The painting depicts a country theme, with a patchwork quilt featured prominently in the foreground. Countryside Picture Framing donated a portion of the framing cost for the piece, which is valued at $900.
“It is a watercolour and pen and ink original,” said Campbell. “Hopefully it will remind people of their roots.”
Third prize is a wooden quilt-themed cutting board handcrafted by High River craftsman Euan Hanchard. The piece, which is valued at $500, is made of several varieties of wood pieced together to create a quilt-like pattern.
The raffle money will be used to help fund a pictorial history book to celebrate Irricana’s upcoming centennial year in 2011.
The book, which will feature a history in pictures of the people, places and events that helped shape the town over the past 100 years, will be available early next year.
“If you look at the pictures, you can see how we have transformed, and how some things haven’t changed for 50 years,” said Campbell. “The pictures show why we are the way we are now. Nothing is better than looking back in your archive of photos and seeing those beautiful moments in time when the history of your town was made.”
Organizers are hoping to raise about $6,000 towards the project.
The Centennial raffle draw will be made at the High Tea, during Sports Day and the centennial celebration, July 10, 2011.
Tickets are $2 each and are available at the Town Office and the Grasshopper Gallery on main street.
