2009 Made in Montana Marketplace Opens Friday- March 27

Opening remarks for the 2009 Made in Montana Marketplace trade show will kickoff, Friday, March 27, at 8:45 a.m. at the Mansfield Convention Center at the Great Falls Civic Center in Great Falls. Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger and Great Falls Mayor Dona Stebbins will officially open the show to registered wholesale buyers at 9:00 a.m.

This annual two-day trade show connects buyers looking for Montana products, with the people who produce them. The 2009 Marketplace is set to be the largest show to date, with at least 150 exhibitors from across the state showcasing hundreds of creations, from hand crafted furniture and jewelry to gourmet snacks, beer and wine.

Friday, March 27, is Wholesale Buyer’s Day, and is only open to qualified buyers and the media. Saturday, March 28, is Retail Sales Day, and is open to the public – $3 for anyone 12 and older; free for anyone 11 and younger.

The Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Department of Agriculture started the original Made in Montana Food & Gift Show in 1998; however, funding for the show was cut in 2004. The Schweitzer Administration restored funding to help sponsor the rebirth of the show in 2005. In 2006, the City of Great Falls assumed production of the show and renamed it the Made in Montana Marketplace. The Department of Commerce remains a primary partner and sponsor of the Marketplace today. The Department of Agriculture and Montana Arts Council are also contributing partners.

WHO: Lt. Governor John Bohlinger, Mayor Dona Stebbins

WHAT: Open 2009 Made in Montana Marketplace

WHEN: Friday, March 27

Opening Remarks @ 8:45 AM

Show Opens to Registered Wholesale Buyers @ 9:00 AM

WHERE: Mansfield Convention Center at the Great Falls Civic Center

DIRECTIONS: http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/civic/