WARDSBORO — A “Lancaster Barnyard” hooked rug handmade by Linda Gifkins, a fiber artist in town, is a prize in the Friends of the Wardsboro Public Library's Best Raffle Ever!, for which tickets are now on sale.
Each year, the proceeds help cover the cost of utilities and upkeep at the Gloria Danforth Memorial building, which is the home of the Wardsboro Free Library at 170 Main St.
The rug, valued at $600, is 27 inches long by 20 inches wide, is all wool, made with new and recycled materials, and is finished with a hand sewn binding and the artist's official maker's label. It features two cheery, clucking chickens and a giant blue morning glory blooming from a basket.
The prize will be on display at the Wardsboro Public Library when it reopens to the public. You may pick up raffle tickets there during library hours.
The primitive design comes from the Notforgotten Farm Collection, created in the studio of Lori Brechlin of Amherst, Va.
The Friends say they are very appreciative of the donation from Gifkins, who said it takes about 40 hours to complete a project like this. “I love to do these classic folk art designs because they are simple, yet very expressive,” she said.
This is the fourth time one of her hooked rug creations have been offered as a prize in the annual raffle.
For the first time, tickets are available online anytime for purchase using a PayPal account or credit card via smartphone, tablet, or computer at friendsofwardsborolibrary.org. Chances are $5 each, or five for $20.
The Friends will register your tickets and notify you that your name has been placed in the drawing.
“Of course, you can still print the tickets from the Friends website and mail them in with a check payment,” raffle organizers note.
The last day to get chances will be Oct. 23, with the drawing set for Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.