We Did It: Celebrating the Outdoor Quilt Show at Smith Valley Fun Days

Smith Valley NV – October 5, 2026

Article by Cathy Eckart

On October 4, 2026 members, spouses, partners, friends, and family transformed the Rotary Club of Smith Valley Fun Days event into a vibrant celebration with the addition of a fantastic outdoor quilt show.  The show celebrated creativity, craftsmanship, and friendship. It highlighted both the artistry of quilting and the strength of the community that made the event possible.

We are grateful to everyone who brought the show to life.  Many people and organizations made it possible. Charlotte Miller inspired the revival of the quilt group, Janice Scandrett led the Mystery Quilts Project and had hot coffee at the break of dawn, and Cathryn Kotler encouraged us to “go for it.” Sharon Becker and Sandy Offenstein donated fabric and designed and assembled the raffle quilt with help from members of the Smith Valley Pine Needlers; Ellie Fuller quilted it and Thala Wolin embroidered a beautiful label. Sharon B. also designed the quilt show layout, and Rhonda Rowe presented a quilt sleeve tutorial.

The Rotary Club of Smith Valley supplied raffle tickets and advertising.  Sandy Offenstein was remarkable with her persuasive effort to sell raffle tickets!  Larry Ogden and his crew, along with others, donated PVC pipe and cut and drilled the necessary holes, and Agri Lines of Smith Valley provided additional PVC pipe. The Mono County Historical Society donated a quilt rack, and Sylvia’s Quilters Quarters gave a generous gift certificate.  Stacey Kirschenmann took lovely photographs.  Nathan at Lyon County Facilities made it possible to easily access the pickleball court.  We also thank everyone who supplied zip ties, tables, chairs, event tents, ladders, and more; helped prepare the pickleball court; raised the quilts; and provided the additional support that was crucial to the show’s success. 

A very special thank you goes to the ladder climbers!  And a tongue-in-cheek not so special thank you to Battle Born Medical Transport for adding a memorable moment to our quilt show when they landed their helicopter nearby!  

Together, these contributions showcased the quilts beautifully, enlivened the display, and made the largest outdoor quilt show in northern Nevada a huge success. Thank you again to everyone who helped us do it!