(Call Barb DeGroot at 952-443-1459 to interview Auxiliary quilters or for any media needs.)

 Auxiliary Fall Harvest Sale & Quilt Raffle

Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

          Chanhassen, Minn. (Aug. 25, 2009) -  For months now, a handful of Twin Cities area women have convened each week in back rooms at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, to spend hours handstitching a masterpiece quilt dedicated to their home state.  "Loon Song" celebrates the beauty and history of Minnesota - a collage of blue waters, ladyslippers and mystical loons, complete with images of Minnesota's native peoples harvesting wild rice from a canoe.  The weekly quilting bee was an engaging ritual for these women who have shared stories, memories, secrets and joys as nimble old fingers carefully measured each stitch and plunged needles into fabric pieces. 

            This year marks the end of an era for Auxiliary quilters Dodie Chalupsky of Silver Lake, Irene Johnson of Waconia, Mary Luedtke and Claire and Anne Vogel of Chaska, Carol Dauwalter of Chanhassen and Nancy Witt of Brooklyn Park.  They are part of an Arboretum quilting group that formed in 1993.  Its membership has changed over the years but a core group remained constant.  "I've really enjoyed the camaraderie.  The social aspect of this group was extremely nice. We got along well," said group member Claire Vogel, adding with a laugh, "Quilting is an addiction.... You just keep saying ‘one more stitch' ....'one more stitch'."

            For a variety of reasons (mainly health-related), they are passing along the annual quilting project to a younger contingent in the Auxiliary. All this makes the "Loon Song" quilt extra special. The creation will be raffled off on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. as part of the Auxiliary's Harvest Sale Weekend.  Raffle tickets (at $2 each) may be purchased until noon on the 26^th.   Raffle proceeds benefit the Arboretum programs. 

            The Auxiliary's annual Harvest Sale & Quilt Raffle on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, is a favorite fall tradition for many Twin Citians.  The sale will take place in the auditorium of the Arboretum's Snyder Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. This unique event will feature colorful and dramatic dried floral arrangements, potpourri, wreaths and handmade cards, all created by talented Auxiliary artisans. 

            Don't miss this one-of-a-kind sale of exquisite home décor and handmade giftware! 

            You also may want to stroll the Waterosity Exhibition, with its fanciful art installations and educational exhibits, all of which close Oct. 4.  Here are other ways to enjoy autumn at the Arboretum:  

• Blazing Fall Color: Take in the splendor of autumn by walking through the Arboretum's sugar maple collection in blazing fall color. Enjoy prairie wildflowers, mums, ornamental grasses and other late blooms. Gaze upward to see the fall migration of birds.  
• Arboretum AppleHouse - Sept. 1-Oct. 31:  Purchase apples from a changing inventory of more than 50 varieties throughout the season - including University of Minnesota introductions. Proceeds benefit U of M apple research. The AppleHouse is located 1 mile west of the Arboretum on State Highway 5.  Or stop by the Arboretum's Oswald Visitor Center for apple-tastings on the following weekends:  Sept. 19, 20, 26, 27, and Oct. 3 & 4 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• ‘The Buddha Prince' Walking play - Thursday, Sept. 10, 4:30-6 p.m. Enjoy an outdoor "walking" play about the life of the Dalai Lama, sponsored by the U of M Center for Spirituality & Healing. Incorporates puppetry, masks, Tibetan music and dance. 
• Fabulous fall forays - 8:30-10:30 a.m, Wednesdays, Sept.  16, 23 & Oct. 7, 14. Enjoy the splendor of fall on guided walks in Arboretum gardens and woods. $12-!5 each walk.
• Learn Nordic Walking - Thursday, Oct. 8, 1-2 p.m. & 6-7 p.m. Hoigaard's staff will provide Nordic walking lessons and gear to try out!
• Friends of Andersen horticultural library book sale - Oct. 2-4: Stock up on gently used classics, mysteries and books of all types. 10-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
• PUMPKIN Palooza- Oct. 3-Nov. 1: Feast your eyes on an amazing variety of cucurbits (pumpkins, gourds and squash, to you and me!).  Rediscover the prized pumpkin in all its varied shapes and colors. This fall, the Arboretum will be displaying more than 50 varieties, including Atlantic Giant, Big Max and Baby Boo - in a range of hues - and many other forms of squash and gourds. On Oct. 24 & 25, during Pumpkin Palooza Weekend, catch the documentary "Bill's Big Pumpkins" (1 & 2:30 p.m.), plus pumpkin-carving demos and much more!
• FAMILY WEEKEND FUN - "Marvelous Marsh" is the topic in September and "Healthful Harvest" is the theme for October.  These fun learning opportunities take place every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Andrus Learning Center. Free with gate admission.
• AR-BOO-RETUM - Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Free admission for everyone arriving in costume; plus treats for "trick or treaters" and other fun activities.                                                       -The End-

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota and developed as a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located nine miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen.