Antlers, beard oil, jams, oh my!: Made in Montana Trade Show back in Helena for 28th year

Could we interest you in jewelry? What about champagne mustards, alpaca knitwear or scented pet-calming collars?

The Made in Montana Trade Show, an annual opportunity for Treasure State businesses to network and book their products in storefronts, returned to Helena for its 28th year this week.

This year, 116 vendors packed Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. The Department of Commerce event highlights Montana-grown, Treasure State-crafted and Native American-made products, encouraging dollars to stay in-state.

Some have been coming to this expo for years. Livingston-based Anna Grinager of Gemology has had a booth for five years. She’s secured wholesale deals with the Montana Historical Society, taking another deal Friday morning.

“Making connections and keeping connections is how it works,” Grinager said.

For businesses that primarily sell online, networking can also be like a living resume to land more partnerships. Charlie and Emily Rush of My Mini Explorer, an outdoors apparel company for children, started their store from their Kalispell basement during Emily’s stay-at-home mom days.

Since then, they’ve landed wholesale purchases from businesses around Glacier Park and have a consistent spot at the Flathead Cherry Festival. However, they’re keeping their eyes peeled for newer and long-standing deals.

This year, 26 businesses made their Made in Montana debut, including Montana Scents.

Car fresheners and soothing dog collars, doused in smells like “Cabin in the Woods” and “Camp Fire S’mores,” are Steve and Suzi Ekness’ latest business venture. The Brady couple relies on venues like Made in Montana to find outlets for their wares.

“We’re just putting ourselves out there, getting the lay of the land,” Steve Ekness said.

Though rain, wind and snow swept through Montana beginning Thursday morning, impacts on the trade show have been “minimal,” Made in Montana specialist Jessica John said.

Friday was set aside for wholesale purchases and awards. This year, four categories honored standout exhibits: Retailer of the Year, Best in Show, Best New Exhibitor and Best in Show Honorable Mention.

Helena-based 56 Counties, which sells wares from more than 190 artisans across the Treasure State, was named 2026 Retailer of the Year after being nominated by peers.

"The shop is built on stories, whether they be my own, an artisan's or a customer's," owner Megan Martin said. "My goal has been to create community through art, and to be recognized for that achievement and doing something I love is an absolute honor."

Best in Show was awarded to Beartooth Candle Company, a Billings-based store that creates hand-poured, small-batch candles. An honorable mention was given to Stevensville's RJS Engraving and Design, which laser-engraves crafts cut from various wood products.

Finally, Best in Show New Exhibitor celebrated Rogue Brownies of Great Falls, which creates small-batch, hand-crafted brownies.

On Saturday, the trade show is open to the public. From 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., shoppers will be welcome to grab frybread mix, trivia books, gourmet dog treats and whatever else catches their eye. Admission is free.