Missoula to host an alternative craft fair

Indie craft fairs have been popping up all over the country over the last several years. There are the Renegade Fairs in Brooklyn, L.A., Chicago and San Francisco and every month in Portland there’s the Crafty Wonderland , to name just a couple.

It looks like some creative folks in Missoula, Mont., are organizing their own alternative to typical craft fairs now, too. The Almost Summer MADE Fair will be held June 14 at Caras Park in downtown Missoula.

I know what you’re thinking. June feels like a fantasy far, far away right now (snow is falling as I type), but the fair’s organizers are looking for vendors and it’s never too early to start stockpiling your merchandise if you’re interested in renting a booth. Booth fees are $35 to $150.

The 200-mile trek to Missoula might be worth it, whether you plan to sell goods or not. This sounds like a great event. In addition to shopping the creations of regional artists, there will be a make-and-take craft area, a fashion show, live music, local food and beverages and possibly the premiere of the much-anticipated indie film Handmade Nation (OK, much anticipated among craft nerds like me).

Organizer Carol Lynn says the fair will be “family and hipster friendly,” so bring the kids. And the hipsters, too, I guess.