Scores of quilts, from wall hangings and wearable arts to three-dimensional fabric dolls, are not the only attractions at this weekend’s 36th annual Manteca Quilt & Doll Show.

Those who wish to have their quilts appraised, be they heirlooms that have been handed down through generations in the family or collectible newer creations, may bring them to the show for appraisal. American Quilters Society Certified Quilt Appraiser Rebecca Rogers will be available do appraisals throughout the show on Saturday and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; and, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“She was here about five years ago and she appraised a lot of quilts at that time,” said LeAnn McNabb who is chairing this year’s show which is being held at a new venue – the old Best Buy store in the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley on South Union Road on the south side of the Highway 120 Bypass.

The appraisal is not just to determine the actual value of antique quilts for insurance purposes, but to gain additional information about it. That also holds true for newer quilts which can be valuable

 “Just the cost of the material alone could be a couple hundred dollars,” McNabb said of the new contemporary quilts whose value could jump significantly when including such factors as its uniqueness, its ornate design, aesthetic condition, among others.

The appraisal will give the quilt “a real value” which the owner can use as a basis to insure it. For an insurance company to put a value on the item, the quilt owner has to have a certificate of its value from an appraiser such as Rogers, said McNabb.

Each appraisal will cost $40, which will include a certificate of authenticity, if the quilt owner wants to have one.

McNabb said having a certificated quilt appraiser at the show is part of the service they are providing to the public. “Most people ask, how am I going to find a quilt appraiser?” she said.

“The whole thing is, we’re getting people in to understand that their quilt is of value.”

McNabb and quilt guild members are hoping the show’s new location will attract more foot traffic than they got at the MRPS Hall on Grant Street in downtown Manteca where the show has been held every year for decades. A sharp increase in rent prompted the guild to look for another, cheaper venue. It is not certain at this point if they will ever go back to MRPS Hall.

“I’m hoping we’re going to get a lot of foot traffic. The quilt show is next to Bass Pro Shops, and from what we hear, it’s going to be beautiful weather this weekend – 73- to 74-degree weather – so people can enjoy our show while they are there and can spend a whole day at the Promenade Shops,” McNabb happily noted.

The featured quilt artist this year is Manteca’s very own Sandra Hadley. “She’s known for her appliqué work; it’s absolutely gorgeous,” gushed McNabb.

Hadley has been a member of the guild for many years.

Visitors will have a chance to go home with something valuable. They can take part in the Opportunity Quilt drawing, “Spring Melody,” by purchasing raffle tickets both days of the show. Several valuable themed baskets also will be raffled off. All proceeds go back to the non-profit organization.

Admission to the quilt show is $7 for one day; $10 for a two-day pass; free admission for children age 12 and younger.

For more information about the quilt appraisal, or about the show, call 209.815.6754.