While the Mineral County Fair is on many residents' minds, the weekly St. Regis Pop-Up Market on Mondays on the front porch of The Moxie, continues to highlight the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local vendors.

Michelle Leitinger of Sunleit Family Farms in St. Regis introduced several new handcrafted products made from the farm's pasture-raised pigs. Among the offerings were candles made from a 50/50 blend of rendered pork lard and beeswax, scented only with 100% essential oils. 

"By rendering the lard nice and slow, it eliminates any pork odor," Leitinger explained. 

The rendering process is done at Sunleit Family Farms near the Sloway Exit on Interstate 90. Her display also featured handcrafted soap bars made from rendered pork lard, coconut oil, lye and essential oils. A couple varieties include unique ingredients grown or sourced by the family. 

"This one has mint that we grew, dehydrated and added to the soap," she said while pointing to rows of lemongrass, vanilla and the newest brand, Gramma's Lavender.

 After extensive experimentation with recipes and candle wick performance, the family developed products that met their standards. 

Visitors could also purchase the farm's non-GMO, organically raised pork, available by the cut, quarter, half or whole hog. The livestock are pasture-raised alongside the family's other farm animals. More information is available by emailing [email protected].

Massage therapist Rin, owner of Cloud 9 Massage, was also on hand offering chair massages while introducing visitors to her full range of services, including deep tissue massage, cupping, trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage, injury recovery and facials.

"We also offer couples massages in the privacy of people's homes," Rin said. "Hot stone massage is especially popular during the winter because the warmed stones help relax and soften the muscles." 

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 406-677-7212.

Blue Sun Acres owner Jacob Van Hook showcased fresh vegetables from his 8,000-square-foot garden. Although many crops are just reaching harvest, he was especially excited to display his handmade soaps. 

"I have lavender goat's milk, rose geranium, spearmint and serviceberry-cinnamon," Van Hook said. "I don't use fragrance, only essential oils, because my research suggests fragrances are often what cause skin irritation. I also use natural clays, and activated charcoal is excellent." 

More information is available through www.bluesunacres.com.

One popular stop at the market was a lemonade stand operated by a group of young girls selling cups for $1. Many shoppers carried their lemonade while browsing the booths and visiting with vendors on the warm summer afternoon.

The St. Regis Pop-Up Market is the brainchild of Christi Nalogan, who also featured crocheted creations from her daughters' business, Roots to Wings of Deer Lodge, along with homemade baked goods. 

"I don't bake a whole bunch of things for the market because if they don't sell, then I eat them," Nalogan laughed. 

Her offerings included chocolate chip cookies, Sweet Alabama pecan bread and lemon blueberry bread.

Nalogan said the market typically hosts 10 to 12 vendors each Monday from 3 to 6 p.m. on the front porch of The Moxie and in the parking area. Vendor space is free.

"The Moxie doesn't charge, and I just wanted people to have another place to sell homemade goods," she said. "We're hoping to continue through October if the produce lasts. Milton also has vegetables, so between him and Jacob we'll have a nice selection for local shoppers." 

Milton Pearce, owner of The Potting Shed in St. Regis, was unable to attend the July 20 market. Between visiting with her friend Hazel Cromwell and helping supervise the lemonade stand, Nalogan said the weekly gathering has become more enjoyable than she ever imagined.

Jelena Banks, owner of The Moxie on Montana 135, continues to focus on supporting the local community through volunteerism and by providing a marketplace for regional artisans. The Moxie is a consignment store featuring Montana-made products and has become a destination for shoppers looking for unique gifts and home décor. 

"We have 42 vendors from Mineral County, and everything inside is from western Montana," Banks said. 

The store features clothing, specialty foods, artwork, jewelry and pottery while Banks serve as both salesperson and ambassador for the local makers who entrust their products to her. The Moxie is open Thursday through Monday, beginning at 9 a.m.

    Local products from 42 different Mineral County vendors are inside The Moxie which is open Thursday through Monday at 9 a.m. each day. (Monte Tuner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Blue Sun Acres owner Jacob Van Hook has fresh produce and goat milk soaps and skin care products at the Pop-Up Market. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)

    “Were raising money to go to the moon!” bellowed one of the young women running the lemonade stand at the St. Regis Pop-Up Market.
  

  

    Michelle Leitinger of Sunleit Family Farms in St. Regis, sitting, with The Moxie owner Jelena Banks at the Pop-Up Market July 20. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)