Smith County has its own Quilt Trail. A Quilt Trail is made up of barn quilts. Barn quilts are not actually quilts. They are paintings of quilt blocks. Initially, barn quilts were painted directly onto the barn. Then the quilt blocks were painted on wood and hung on the barns, homes, and sheds. Today many of the quilt blocks are made of aluminum composite material to withstand longer duration. A full-size barn quilt is 8-feet by 8-feet. Paired with bright colors, they easily are visible on barns and buildings.
Smith County has a Quilt Trail with many pieces around the county. A Quilt Trail is a collection of quilt blocks mounted on locations that make a driving tour possible. Quilt Trails are a great way to promote tourism. To see where the quilts are located as well as the name of the quilt and owner visit https://smithcountyquilttrail.com/quilts/.
On July 19th, UT Extension Smith County, Smith County Chamber of Commerce, and Karen Young partnered together to offer a barn quilt class in hopes of growing Smith County’s Quilt Trail. Participants were able to pick their paint colors and pattern suited for their experience and bring home their very own 2- foot by 2-foot barn quilt. The class was led by Karen Young and Sheryl Hankins. If you are interested in participating in a barn quilt class on November 7th, give the extension office a call at 615-735-2900.
Seafood Gumbo
1 onion
1 green pepper
1 can tuna (drained)
1 can shrimp (drained)
1 – 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 can hot tap water or 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
¼ cup rice (uncooked)
Salt & pepper to taste
Brown onion and green peppers. Add remaining ingredients and heat thoroughly. (Add water if needed when using Ro-tel tomatoes.) Simmer on low until rice is done.
Submitted by: Phyllis McKinney, Gordonsville FCE Club
Pictured below: (L-R) Teresa Gentry, Janice Fox and Leah Gregory with their barn quilt paintings. 
