Billings, Mont. — Holiday markets give small vendors a chance to meet shoppers and bring in money that help keep their businesses going.
At the makers market at the Billings Public Library on Saturday, vendors said the events meant more than a single day of sales. For some, those markets made up a major share of their work each year.
Miles City artist Shelley Freese, who has been painting since 1994, made the trip to Billings for the market. She estimated events like this accounted for more than half of her business at
“They are a lifeline. And it’s a lot of effort to drive and to set up and then to tear down and drive home but is well worth it to meet the public and connect directly with people who appreciate the work,” she said.
Many new businesses also start out at markets. Billings-based
“We’ve been picking up business, really trying to get our name out. We really want to hit more private event scene. So like your weddings and your birthday parties, bridal showers,” said Kristian Nielsen.
Donnie Kranz traveled from Powell, Wyoming with
“We have a couple coming up, one at Thanksgiving and then one a couple weeks before Christmas. And those kind of shows make it worth packing the...