The Moss Mansion celebrates 31 years of SpringFest on Saturday, June 1. One of the most anticipated juried art shows in Billings is located on the lush lawn of the Moss. Enjoy a day of shopping, live entertainment, delicious food and fun activities for kids, all surrounded by the stately juniper hedge and colorful flowers, planted by gardening volunteers.
“I look forward to shopping at SpringFest every year,” says Moss Mansion Director Jenna Peete. “There are so many unique treasures to be found!”
The day begins with a pancake breakfast served at 8:30 a.m. Then, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 50 regional artists sell handcrafted items such as jewelry, leather goods, metal sculpture, photography, pottery, paintings, and more.
A variety of foods, including tacos and burgers, are available, plus beverages including mimosas, Bloody Marys, wine and locally brewed beer. And, for anyone with a sweet tooth, there’s kettle corn, homemade baked goods and chocolates.
Watch artists demonstrate their work or take in the sights and sounds of performers at three stages – the veranda, driveway and courtyard. This year’s roster includes Arterial Drive, Song Dog Serenade, Cheyenne Sage, the Claddagh Academy of Irish Dancers and Wildwood Cloggers.
For youngsters, the children’s area offers games, face painting, sno-cones and cotton candy.
“One can’t help but get caught up in the atmosphere of friendly artists, smiling volunteers, lively music at every turn, and the smells of barbeque wafting through the air,” says Peete.
Admission to SpringFest is free. The Moss Mansion, located at 914 Division St., will be open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at regular tour prices.
All proceeds from artist booth fees, donation jars and food and drink sales benefit operations and preservation projects at the stately turn-of-the-century home, designed by New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and built in 1903. For more details visit mossmansion.com.