A unique piece of Americana, handcrafted through the combined efforts of talented Fair exhibitors and dedicated local quilters, will be auctioned during the 2026 Great Allentown Fair as part of the Fair’s “America250” celebration.

The Great Allentown Fair will auction a one-of-a-kind red, white and blue quilt Sept. 4 during the Fair’s “America250” celebration at the Farmerama Theater. The event begins at 7 p.m., with proceeds from the auction benefiting The Great Allentown Fair Foundation.

The quilt began as a competition during the 2025 Fair, when exhibitors in the quilting department were challenged to create a patriotic unfinished 12 ½ in. x 12 ½ in. quilt block incorporating red, white and blue fabrics. Thirteen blocks were submitted and entrusted to the Ladies Aid Society of Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, Salisbury Township.

Members of the Ladies Aid Society transformed the individual blocks into a beautiful quilt measuring approximately 84 inches by 84 inches. The project required nearly 50 hours of quilting, approximately 286 yards of thread, and countless hours of planning and creativity. Society members spent an entire day arranging the blocks and selecting accent fabrics to create the finished masterpiece.

The Ladies Aid Society, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, meets Wednesdays. Originally founded as a women’s organization, the society welcomes men and women as members. In addition to quilting, members participate in needlework projects while continuing the organization’s long-standing tradition of raising funds in support of their church.

Ten active members from the Ladies Aid Society participated in the project, joined by three additional volunteers from the Weisenberg Lowhill Township Historical Society.

“This quilt is a wonderful example of community collaboration and craftsmanship,” said Beverly Gruber, Chairman and CEO for The Great Allentown Fair.

“From the talented exhibitors who created the original blocks to the dedicated volunteers who assembled and quilted the final piece, this project truly embodies the spirit of The Great Allentown Fair and our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration,” Gruber said.

Fairgoers may attend the “America250” celebration and participate in the live auction for an opportunity to own this commemorative quilt while supporting The Great Allentown Fair Foundation and its mission.

The 2026 Great Allentown Fair is Sept. 2-7.

The Great Allentown Fair Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, contributions to which are tax-deductible.

The mission of The Great Allentown Fair Foundation is to provide philanthropic opportunities through grants and charitable donations to preserve, enrich and advance agriculture.

Through scholarships, educational programs, incentives and events, The Great Allentown Fair Foundation supports The Great Allentown Fair and programs of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society.

Information: https://www.allentownfair.com/