The annual Made in Montana Tradeshow for Food and Gifts returns to Helena this weekend, and the public is invited to preview some of the new, locally made products stores will be carrying this season while supporting Montana small businesses.
Public Showcase Day is Saturday, March 16, at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. The show floor will be open to shoppers from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
“Made in Montana is all about helping Montana small businesses get their products into the hands of consumers,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice. “Public Showcase Day is a great opportunity to connect producers with consumers. Shoppers get to see the latest and greatest from Montana, and the businesses get to interact directly with their customers.”
Forty new vendors and 117 returning artists, food producers, craftspeople and other entrepreneurs will sell their Montana-made products to the public. The event also features the Native American Made in Montana Pavilion, where shoppers can purchase authentic Native American products from five vendors.
Last year, more than 6,000 people attended the tradeshow on Public Showcase Day to shop for locally made art, jewelry, housewares, apparel, food, beverages, and more.
The annual two-day tradeshow kicks off Friday, March 15, with Wholesale Buyers Day, which offers a chance for store buyers and other industry professionals to discover what’s new, renew contacts, purchase inventory, and network with other industry pros. Although pre-registration is closed, walk-in wholesale buyers may register at the door.
Made in Montana Directory
And for those who aren’t able to attend the tradeshow, check out the online Made in Montana directory, which offers shopping options in nearly 40 categories, from furniture and apparel to musicians and visual artists. Where to Shop highlights retail shops and showrooms that specialize in Montana-made wares, and Where to Eat and Drink offers a list of breweries, wineries, distilleries and restaurants with Montana-made drinks and eats.