(HELENA) Shoppers in Helena have a chance this weekend to check out a variety of locally made arts and crafts.
Handmade Montana is holding its second annual Helena Holiday MADE Fair at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. More than 190 local and regional artists brought in their products. About a quarter of the artists are from the Helena area.
Organizers said about 5,000 people attended last year’s fair. This year, they expected even more. They expanded their shopping area to include the fairgrounds’ Entry Hall as well as the Exhibit Hall.
Carol Lynn Lapotka, who operates REcreate Designs in St. Ignatius, said she started running MADE Fairs in Missoula more than a decade ago, as a way to provide more exposure for local artists’ products.
“Purchasing handmade stuff is a great way to bring home a gift, send a gift, get a gift for yourself, that really means something and has a lasting memory,” she said.
Today, they have fairs in Missoula, Helena and Bozeman throughout the year.
“We really appreciate all the support the communities provide for all of our events,” said Lapotka. “We would like to continue to grow opportunities for artists to be able to sell their handmade goods, and create a community where people can expect to find some great quality items when they come to our shows.”
The MADE Fair will continue Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds. From noon to 2, children will be able to get pictures with Santa Claus.
