The 34th annual Springfest at the Moss Mansion historic museum happened Saturday and was indeed one for the books! Over 60 vendors came to sell their original products like handmade soaps, essential oils, photography and so much more others were able to purchase. 

A lovely pancake breakfast kicked off the event with toppings as well as bloody marys and mimosas available for adults. A BBQ and taco booth was also available for most of the day. The proceeds from the food went towards the preservation of the Moss Mansion.

  • A sign to guide visitors to all the fun at the 2022 Springest held on the lawn of historic Moss Mansion
  • Brockel’s Chocolates brought their double dipped caramel apples and other tasty treats to the 2022 Springfest.
  • The turnout during the all-day Springfest was fantastic! Guests could see and purchase originally made products from small businesses across Montana.

Guests were also able to buy sweets. Brockel’s Chocolates from Billings, Montana, was one place to buy for those with a sweet tooth. Many locals know this sweet shop’s downtown location. They’ve had their doors open and operated in the same location for more than 50 years. One of Brockel’s most popular items is known for its delicious double-dipped caramel apples. 

The Windy Raven was a vendor booth that sold leather-made books like purses, wallets, and bracelets. The Windy Raven is created and owned by Ellen Burford, who bases her work in Three Forks, Montana. She has been creating leather products for about four years, and it is her second year having a booth at Springfest. She says that her bracelets featuring stones are the most popular items bought.

Another vendor at Springfest was the Journal Ladies, started by Sarah Williams and her mother. The two create journals from old 1900 books and have been making them for the last 17 years. They also sold bookmarks and individual photo covers of books. 

  • The Journal Ladies booth sold note books, bookmarks and more made out of vintage books from the 1900s.
  • The Windy Raven sold leathermade goods like wallets, purses and bracelets.
  • Notebooks made from vintage books available for purchase at the Journal Ladies booth.

Sweet Briar Creations was another mother-daughter company that handmade jewelry out of copper. They sold things like earrings and necklaces with a touch of Montana thrown into them with silhouettes of bears and mountains in some of the jewelry. They also create jewelry by taking things like leaves and creating copper jewelry around them in a process called electroforming. Every piece of jewelry others could purchase was organic and unique. 

  • Sweet Briar Creations sold original copper jewelry. The owners of the business live in several areas of Montana.
  • Art demonstrators show their skills at the 2022 Springfest.
  • An artist painting a masterpiece, part of the live art demonstrations at the 2022 Springfest.

One booth also sold seasonal handcrafted Russian punch needle embroidery made by Dick Reich, based in Billings, Montana. There were also plenty of art demonstrations consisting of painting and woodworking. Guests were able to watch the demonstration of creating a beautiful art piece right as it happened. 

  • Russian punchneedle embroidery made by Dick Reich was available for purchase at the 2022 Springfest
  • Dick Reich has been selling punchneedle embroidery at the Springfest for the past five years.

Families and kids had a corner that ran all day with cotton candy, snow cones, face painting, and tons of fun games. Guests at the event could go inside the house through the basement entrance to cool off and explore fun knick-knacks at the mansions gift shop. They could also pay to do self-guided tours perfect for families and groups where they could explore the whole house. 

The Moss Mansion historic museum began its summer hours at the beginning of June. The mansion will be open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is also putting on more summer events like the Trunks and Treasures show every first Sunday of the month and a Cigar dinner on June 23. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Spirits is on June 11. Harry Potter fans get a night a magical cocktail night filled with Harry Potter trivia. 

There is always something to explore at the Moss Mansion year-round, be sure to make it out to one of the events or tours to start your summer off right!