Montana’s Made Fair helps grow local businesses

The Montana Made Fair is one that unites all Bozemanites in the spirit of supporting the community. 

   Hosting over 190 sellers, the Made Fair features all kinds of handmade goods perfect for gifts and home items. Everything from children’s clothes to jewelry, art and 3D-printed items were for sale last Friday and Saturday at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

   The Made Fair’s impact on small businesses is widely felt not just by the Bozeman community but also by the sellers themselves. One example is Tiffany Nixon whose small business specializes in selling hand crocheted products. “The business used to just be a [side job] but has now grown into a full-time business,” Nixon said. 

   Another seller who appreciates the Made Fair’s impact is Kavita Bay, who represented her family business Hindu Hillbilly Honey at the fair. She has been selling various products that are all derived from honey, including skin oils and soaps, at fairs across the state for around 10 years and said she loves every second of it.

   “[It] gives me a chance to connect with the community. I think that’s important for a small business and small farms,” Bay said. 

   To others who are looking to sell their handmade crafts, consider just going for it. “If there’s something you really love to do, it is completely worth it to make a go of it as a business because it’s good to have something you’re passionate about as a source of income,” Bay said. 

   The longstanding tradition of the Made Fair not only benefits the small businesses who sell there, but also Bozeman residents who are looking for handmade goods and to connect with their community. 

   One such person is sophomore Lex Baldridge who dabbles in a lot of different crafts, according to them. While they’ve only been in Bozeman for less than two years, the Made Fair has given them an opportunity to gain inspiration from other craft-makers in the Bozeman area. “It’s awesome being able to see so many different crafters at one selling event,” said Balridge.

   Baldridge’s perspective on the Made Fair is that “[it] allows people to see all different kinds of art and allows local businesses to grow.” 

   While the Made Fair has left Bozeman for the season, the next fair event will be held at the Lewis and Clark fairgrounds in Helena on Dec. 1 and 2 of this year.