The 1991 creation by the Schroeders of the Museum of the American Quilter's Society was a welcome and vital element in downtown and riverfront revitalization. The quilt show also boosts the economy of Paducah. Churches and civic groups hold dinners to help with the mealtime crunch and garner funds for their charities. These 150 volunteers support tourism in numerous ways, from assisting with bus loading to giving tours. Operle plays a key role as coordinator with local officials of transportation during the quilt show, which normally coincides with Paducah's Dogwood Trail, itself a popular attraction.
Shuttle buses run between hotels and the convention center, museum and other attractions.
As many as 140 tour buses may pull into town with quilt-show groups from other areas. These must have space for parking and loading and unloading. Many day-tour buses just roll into town without prior notice and also must be accommodated. Every element of the quilt show requires a massive planning effort and great cooperation among groups and agencies. And it seems to work.