Quilts of every color, pattern and size lined nearly every building in Palmerton during The Airing of the Quilts, an annual event held Saturday that drew visitors to town and boosted business along Delaware Avenue.

Almost every building had a quilt hanging on it. There were 1,000 or more quilts between the businesses, restaurants, churches and the park

Lynn Shupp, president of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce, said the event benefits the Palmerton community by bringing visitors into local shops and restaurants; increasing awareness of Palmerton and surrounding communities; and inspiring new quilters to develop the craft.

She also noted that the Quilt Guild created a mini red, white and blue flag for each business to display.

The downtown was busy throughout the day, with visitors stopping to admire quilts hanging from storefronts and churches, and gathering in the park to take in the displays.

“I know some of the restaurants were glad to have the extra business walk in,” Shupp said. “While photographing I was asked if I was a local and where there were some quick places to grab a bite, and some others were looking to have an adult beverage and a place to sit for a bit to enjoy a meal.”

She said several businesses were prepared for the crowd.

“I know Hager’s was prepared from last year to have staff ready to answer questions on furniture and placing orders,” Shupp said. “The quilt shop was buzzing with customers.”

Shupp said the event attracted visitors from across the region.

“The event definitely brings people from all areas of Pa. and states that enjoy our town,” she said. “Saw many visitors walking with coffee or tea drinks.”

The day included music as well, with 14th & Spring performing as the band moved from place to place along Delaware Avenue.

Volunteers began early in the morning to prepare the displays.

“We started at 6 a.m. to hang quilts,” said Terri Sheckler, secretary. “We used muscles we didn’t know we had.’ ”

Sheckler’s own quilting work recently earned top recognition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, where her quilt won Best in Show this year.

At the Palmerton Area Library, volunteers ran a basket raffle that required months of planning.

“I want to thank the library and the Guild for working so hard,” said Cheryl Hank, who was in charge of the raffle tickets. “It took us months to gather all the items and donations for the raffle.”

Another feature of the day was Quilts for Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization from Fairless Hills, which set up at St. John Neumann Church.

The group offered donated fabric for sale, including fabric saved from being discarded.

They had “a lot of fabric for sale that was donated by businesses and fabric we keep from going to a landfill,” organizers said. With cash donations, Quilts for Kids is able to purchase character fabrics that children request for their quilts.

With 1,000-plus quilts on display and visitors strolling through town, organizers said The Airing of the Quilts continues to grow as a signature event for Palmerton — one that blends art, community and economic support for local businesses.