The Moss Mansion will celebrate 32 years of SpringFest – its juried arts and crafts fair – on Aug. 21 in Billings. Located on the verdant lawn of the historic home, SpringFest delivers a day of shopping, live entertainment, delicious food and fun activities for kids.
Typically held the first weekend in June, SpringFest was moved to a later summer date.
“With the added impact of last year’s conservation work that tore up the grounds, a new August date gave us time to prepare and show off all of the preservation projects accomplished during 2019 while we navigated the pandemic,” says Executive Director Jenna Peete. “By late summer we hope everyone will enjoy SpringFest to the fullest – outside with friends and neighbors on the beautiful grounds of the Moss.”
The day begins with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Then, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., shoppers explore more than 50 artists’ booths featuring handcrafted items such as jewelry, leather goods, metal sculpture, photography, pottery, paintings, and more.
A variety of foods, including tacos and burgers, plus beverages ranging from mimosas and Bloody Marys to wine and locally brewed beer, are on hand to fuel a day of shopping. And, for anyone with a sweet tooth, there’s kettle corn, homemade baked goods and ice cream.
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 local acts like Texana, 2nd Avenue Stompers, The Mandela Effect, John Adams, and Brad Welbes, to name just a few. The Claddagh Academy of Irish Dance and Wildwood Cloggers also perform.
Little ones will find fun things to do in the children’s area, replete with games, face painting, sno-cones and cotton candy.
Admission to SpringFest is free. The Moss Mansion, located at 914 Division St., Billings, 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 Moss Mansion’s operations and ongoing preservation projects. Learn more at www.mossmansion.com.