PRAIRIE CITY — Great balls of — yarn!

It’s time for the sixth annual Fiber Fest, coming to Prairie City Friday through Sunday, July 26-28.

This year’s extravaganza, featuring three days of workshops, shopping, demonstrations and more, promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Whether you’re into (or interested in) spinning, weaving, basketry, knitting, crocheting, gourd art — the list goes on — this event is for you.

Don’t know a purl from a chain stitch or a spindle from a hoop? The Fiber Fest folks are eager to hook beginners.

Fiber Fest’s open hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Most activities will be in and around Prairie City’s City Park, the Teen Center and the Community Center.

On Saturday, from 5:30-7 p.m., vendors, volunteers and instructors will enjoy a private “Ewenique Social Hour.” Prairie City Fiber Fest will provide complimentary snacks and soft drinks, and 1188 Brewing Company of John Day will have beer, cider and wine for sale.

Vendors and instructors from throughout the Pacific Northwest descend on Prairie City for the popular event. One of 2023’s instructors is returning from Arizona for this year’s event. Ginger Shive, Fiber Fest director, said some vendors have participated every year.

“The knowledge the vendors and instructors have to offer has such depth,” Shive said, adding that all are welcome — beginners, experienced fiber arts crafters and those who are just curious.

Shive and PCFF president Trish Lindaman encourage more people to get involved with the event.

“There are a lot of moving parts, so the more help we have, it lightens everyone’s load,” Lindaman said.

The event’s success, Lindaman added, is evidenced in the high praise they get from attendees — including one who traveled from Fort Collins, Colorado, last year just for the Prairie City Fiber Fest.

The PCFF awards a $1,000 scholarship each year to a graduating Grant County Future Farmers of America member. The 2024 winner is Bailey McCracken from Grant Union High School in John Day. The group is discussing plans to expand the scholarship to include 4-H students, Shive said.

Shive said she started the group not only to benefit the local 4-H and FFA youth of Grant County but to promote Prairie City and the John Day Valley as well. Other PCFF members include Taci Philbrook, vendor director; Eloise Boren, graphic designer; and Nancy Harris, secretary.

“We’ve done it successfully for six years, but we could use some fresh energy,” Shive said.

New members are invited, including FFA and 4-H advisors. Fiber craft knowledge is not necessary, and all ideas and perspectives are welcome, Shive said.

Meetings are held from March through August on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from 6-7:30 p.m.

For more about Fiber Fest, visit www.prairiecityfiberfest.com. To inquire about getting involved, email pcff2019@gmail.com.

Workshop schedule

Friday

8 a.m.-noon: Carding an Art Batt, $105

9 a.m.-noon: Magic of Hairpin Lace, $130

9 a.m.-noon: Build & Use Your Own Blending Board, $140

Noon-4 p.m.: Pine Needle Basketry, $105

1-4 p.m.: Exquisite Weavlings, $110

1-4 p.m.: Spinning Beautiful Bast Fibers, $125

1-4 p.m.: The Joy of Spinning with Turkish Spindles, $85

1-5 p.m.: Spinning Art Yarn, $105

Saturday

9 a.m.-noon: Beginning Punch Needle, $105

9 a.m.-noon: Beginning Embroidery, $95

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Hand Felted Slippers, $145

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Angora: Journey Down the Rabbit Hole, $110

1-4 p.m.: Crochet Part 2, $70

Sunday

9-11 a.m.: Friendly Frog Felting, $55

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Gourd Art, $105

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Blending Board to Create Wet Felted Vessels, $105