Creative, colorful quilts of all kinds will be on display during the 26th Annual Minot Prairie Quilt Festival set for March 21-24.

This year’s festival, themed “Unique Techniques” is being held at the Clarion Hotel at 2200 E. Burdick Expy. in Minot.

The festival includes a quilt show and vendors along with classes conducted by national and local instructors. The quilt show and vendors will be March 22 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and March 23 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Rob Appell, Morro Bay, Calif., host of Man Sewing, and Clem Buzick of Fargo are this year’s national instructors.

“What is Man Sewing? Well, I am a man who loves to sew and I’m proud of it. I’m passionate about sewing and creativity and have a desire to teach, so I want to share my passion with you,” said Appell according to festival information. “Is Man Sewing just for men? Absolutely not! I’m just a man who sews.” Appell’s website can be visited at www.mansewing.com.

Buzick was a hairdresser for years who loved to sew. She took a quilting class and the rest is history, according to festival information. She makes over 150 quilts for clients per year at her Fargo studio, according to festival information. She has competed in many quilt competitions at shows across the U.S. and won many awards. She loves to share her skills and especially loves to encourage others.

About 30 local instructors will be taking part in the festival.

Susan Melgaard of Minot is the featured quilter at this year’s event. The “quilting bug” never hit her until her last child left home and she decided to take up sewing, according to festival information. A trip from the farm at Noonan to a Williston fabric store hooked her on quilting, then joining a local quilting guilds. When Melgaard and her husband, Gene, moved to Minot she joined the Minot Prairie Quilt Guild. She has held a number of offices with the guild and festival boards.

The quilt show will have about 150 quilts, Melgaard said.

The cost to see the quilt show and the vendors plus flea market is $5. Children under 12 can attend for free each day.

For more about the festival including a schedule visit www.minotquilters.com. Those with questions can call Melgaard at 578-4053.