This holiday season, cast a vote with your spending dollars by supporting local artists and makers at Helena's Holiday MADE fair, Dec. 6-7, at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds, and the Missoula Holiday MADE fair, Dec. 15 in Missoula.
More than an ordinary art and crafts market, MADE fairs offer a chance to invest in one-of-a-kind pieces and connect with the stories, skills, and dedication behind each item.
Take the day to stroll the aisles with friends and family, discovering unique gifts for loved ones - or maybe yourself!
Helena Holiday MADE Fair
Featuring 175 vendors, the fair offers ample opportunities to support local artists and build community. For those looking to get a head start on their shopping and shop the best selection, the Friday Night VIP Pass offers admission from 5-8 p.m. for $10; and the Early Bird Pass allows entrance from 9-10 a.m. Saturday for $5 (the hour before free admission begins). Proceeds from VIP tickets benefit Girls Thrive, a local nonprofit committed to empowering girls in grades 4-12 through physical activities and educational lessons designed to boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and positive body image.
"Our mission is to increase awareness of handmade goods as a meaningful alternative to mass-produced items," says founder Carol Lynn Lapotka.
Doors are open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; parking is free. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Helena Food Share.
Missoula Holiday MADE Fair
A week later, the 17th annual Missoula Holiday MADE fair fills the Adams Center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. This modern handcrafted market will showcase more than 200 local artisans and a selection of non-profits across three levels of the Adams Center -- balcony, arena floor, and upper gyms.
"These MADE fairs offer a curated collection of talented artisans representing regional artistry," adds Lapotka.
Beat the crowds with a $15 VIP pass granting access two hours before free admission begins. Ticket proceeds benefit Arts Missoula which fosters education through arts advocacy ensuring arts remain vital in Missoula's cultural landscape.
The Spirit of Giving
In both events' spirit of giving back: non-perishable food items collected support local food banks making differences in lives needing assistance.
This year's fairs aim:
- $30k raised for Montana nonprofits
- $2 million sales generated regionally