There’s a new trend afoot with young people moving toward grassroots and local interests. “Buy local” has been a slogan enacted in many parts of the country recently. This development is something that has been alive for years in some parts of the country.

The Made in Montana Food and Gift Show was founded by the Montana Department of Agriculture in 1998. It has grown by leaps and bounds since then, evolving from a smaller farmers’ market to a large exposition. The City of Great Falls, Montana, took over this expo in 2006, dubbing it the Made in Montana Marketplace

This large two-day expo features local farmers who bring fresh produce as well as other food vendors. There are also local artists who set up booths with fine art as well as crafts. The show attracts about 3,000 each year in mid-March. The first day is open to wholesale buyers and special guests only. The Marketplace is open to the public on the second day, with a nominal entry fee of three dollars.

Montanans take great pride in their beautiful state, and they want to keep things as local as possible. They want products that showcase the beauty, pride, and craftsmanship that are characteristic of Made in Montana, Grown in Montana, and Native American Made in Montana labels.

There is something for everyone at this expo. You will be floored by the wide variety of goods available at the Made in Montana Marketplace, finding consumable products that include fresh produce, gourmet and specialty foods, wines, microbrewed beers, confectionaries, coffees, teas, and even dog treats. Other goods include skin care products, clothing, handbags, jewelry, leather goods, woodworks, fine art, Native American art and beadwork, photographs, stationery, toys, and numerous souvenirs that reflect Montana beauty and pride.

If you are a vendor or artist who would like to be considered for the next Made in Montana Marketplace, your goods must meet a few certain standards. They must be grown, made, or enhanced within Montana. The product must be worth fifty percent more than the original supplies it took to make it. You must be officially enrolled in a Montana Native American tribe to use the Native American Made logo. Registration is free, but meeting the criteria of the Montana Department of Commerce is a non-negotiable requirement.

If you are planning a visit to Great Falls, Montana in the near future and are interested in seeing all that the Made in Montana Marketplace has to offer, be sure to schedule your visit around March 25th and 26th of 2011.

GreatFalls.com is your source for everything about Great Falls, MT. Visit GreatFalls.com for more information on local businesses, real estate, attractions and more in Great Falls, Montana.