JOHN DAY — Fall days are simply bursting with color — and not just outdoors.

Trowbridge Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds will be a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns during the sixth annual Best of the Old West Quilt Show, Friday, Oct. 18, 3-7 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Quilts for the show may be dropped off at Trowbridge Pavilion from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday before the show.

The event is presented by the Strawberry Mountain Quilt Guild of John Day.

Those attending will be able to vote on quilts in three categories: “Quilts of Grant County” (machine quilted works by county residents), “Quilts Beyond our Border” (for quilters outside the county) and “Hand Quilted” (for all quilters from anywhere). Winners in each category will receive prize baskets valued at more than $250 in cash and goodies.

All quilts are welcome to be displayed, but only those never before shown at the Best of the Old West event are eligible for prizes.

A variety of vendors will be on hand with special offers, deals and demonstrations. Wayne Baron from The Fat Quilter in Burns will also be present, offering minor sewing machine repairs by appointment.

Samni Bell, vice president of the quilt guild, said what she looks forward to most are the reactions and the joy on people’s faces as they view the various quilts displayed.

“Hearing the oohs and aahs” is what it’s all about, Bell said.

Bell organized the Strawberry Mountain Quilt Guild in 2017, with just four members — membership is now over 30. The nonprofit’s purpose includes fostering an appreciation of quilts and the art of quilting, teaching and improving quilting skills, and involvement in local charitable events. Those worthy causes include crafting quilts for newborns at Blue Mountain Hospital, youth and babies through the outreach program at John Day Cornerstone Christian Church, and foster children and other people in need in the community.

Bell said they especially enjoy teaching quilting techniques to their many younger members — sharing their love of the age-old craft and handing down the skills to new generations.

The guild meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at John Day Church of the Nazarene, 521 E. Main Street. Membership is $35 per year and new members are always welcome.

In addition to the usual business items and a discussion of upcoming events, the meetings always include a quilting demonstration or lesson. Bell said the guild also teaches several classes each year, which are open to the public. The next class is “Christmas Stockings” on Nov. 16.

For more information about the Strawberry Mountain Quilt Guild and the group’s activities, call Bell at BellyAcres Twisted Stitchery in Mt. Vernon, 541-932-4422, or visit the group on Facebook.

Quilt Challenge

Get your masterpieces ready to enter in Strawberry Mountain Quilt Guild’s 2024 “Quilt Challenge” for the chance to win a cash prize!

This year’s theme is “All Creatures Great and Small.”

Any quilting technique may be used and all sizes are welcome, from 36×36-inch wall hangings to king size. Quilts must be labeled with the quilter’s name.

Those attending will vote on their favorites; the first-place winner will receive $300, with $100 going to the second-place winner.

Entries may be brought to Trowbridge Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds in John Day during the “Best of the Old West” Quilt Show Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19.

For more information, call Susan Pielstick at 541-589-5810 or visit the quilt guild on Facebook.