Councillor sees barn quilts as tourist draw

A trail that started at the end of Bill Hodgson’s driveway could soon extend throughout Lincoln and the rest of the Niagara region.

Hodgson, a Vineland farmer and Lincoln regional councillor, is hoping to start a Niagara Barn Quilt Trail.

The idea comes from similar trails in Brant and Prince Edward County that sees farms, wineries, businesses and other organizations all involved.

Hodgson and his wife Mary installed their quilt, 4.5 feet square of wood painted in a quilting pattern, last August as a way to spruce up their First Avenue barn and have a little fun.

Now, he and Peter Marett are hoping others will join in. The two were at Lincoln’s sport, recreation and culture committee meeting recently to present their idea. They plan to head out to other town councils and are encouraging local residents and groups to consider a barn quilt of their own.

“It’s another way we can enrich the tourism experience,” said Hodgson.

Dianne Rintjema, chair of the committee, supported the proposal. “I can see once it gets rolling it will be fantastic,” she said, adding it’s a great way to support culture.

Hodgson said he and his wife are frequent visitors to the Prince Edward County area, and became intrigued by that county’s barn quilt trail. Featuring more than 100 quilts they can be found on the walls of businesses, museums, homes and, of course, barns.

Given Lincoln’s designation as a centre for excellence in agriculture and its focus on agri-tourism, Hodgson said it made sense to start the trail in town.

Hodgson and Marett are hoping the idea will catch on and they can eventually develop a trail website where tourists can use their smartphones to bring up information on each quilt, its location and others in Niagara as they follow the trail.

He says high school students can help by creating the canvasses or helping with the art.