Business Bites: Sierra Trading Post planned for mall; Odds and Ends for sale downtown; Happy Tails under new ownership; Annie’s/Homestead offering lunch, brunch; Alliance for Youth craft fair; NWGF winterization workshop; Paris Gibson Square exhibition; and more
Sierra Trading Post
Sierra Trading Post has submitted an application on Oct. 20 to the city planning office to remodel the former Bed, Bath and Beyond space in Holiday Village Mall.
The permit is in review.
Odds n Ends
The Odds n Ends Shop at 123 Central Ave. is for sale and holding a going out of business sale, according to signs in the windows.
For details or purchase inquiries, call 406-727-1541.
Happy Tails
Happy Tails’ founder, Katy Duncan, retired and sold Happy Tails to a small Midwestern business called Embark Pet Services.
Embark operates several pet hotels in the midwest and is run by pet care professionals, according to Elizabeth Williams, assistant manager.
“They’ve been awesome to work with and our team has enjoyed the transition,” she told The Electric.
A previous manager left under the former owners and Embark has promoted several existing employees, she said.
“We wouldn’t expect any noteworthy changes outside of investments we’re making into the facility, employees, and community engagement,” she said.
Alliance for Youth
Annie’s/Homestead 1909
Homestead 1909, inside Annie’s Taphouse, is now serving Saturday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a variety of brunch specials and bottomless mimosas or ciders for $16.
They’ve also started operating for lunch on Fridays at 11 a.m.
Electric City Catering, based at the same location as Homestead 1909 and Annie’s Taphouse, is taking holiday catering orders and Christmas party bookings.
Paris Gibson Square exhibition
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is hosting a free public reception at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 23 for the Empowered: A Free Art Programs Exhibition.
The exhibition includes 93 works of art by participants in the Free Art Programs. Each piece represents an individual voice, a unique perspective, and the courage to create. Together, they tell a story — one of creativity, connection, and empowerment. This is art made by everyday people exploring their potential, expressing themselves, and discovering what they can achieve when given the tools, guidance, and opportunity to create.
The Veterans’ Art Program (now expanded to include active-duty military) was the first of its kind in Montana and was initiated in 2021. The Senior Art Program is an initiative in lifelong learning that has been supported at the museum for over sixteen years. The museum’s partnership with Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain have been essential to creating lasting connections with the people who participate in the art program. Joining this year is AWARE, whose clients are also eager to create and express themselves through art.
Want to help our Free Art Programs? Make a financial contribution, donate art supplies, and spread the word to friends and family who may enjoy participating. Every act of support, big or small, helps us create more opportunities for creativity, connection, and self-expression.
The Free Art Programs are organized by Graham Kerwin, Interim Education Manager, in collaboration with professional artist instructors who receive specialized training that supports each program’s needs.
Learn more about the exhibition and programs here.
Winterization Workshop
NeighborWorks Great Falls is hosting a free, hands-on workshop at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at their office, 509 1st Ave. S., to help homeowners prepare their homes for winter.
The Winter Home Preparation Workshop is part of NWGF’s Home Maintenance Made Simple workshop series, designed to build confidence through practical, beginner-friendly projects.
“Homeownership comes with new responsibilities, and preparing for winter is one of the most important steps homeowners can take to protect their investment,” Ashly Graham, homeownership program manager at NWGF, said in a release. “Through our winterization workshop, we’re giving homeowners the knowledge, practical tips, and confidence they need to care for their homes and head into the colder months feeling prepared.”
Participants will rotate through interactive stations and gain hands-on experience, helpful resources and the confidence to keep their home safe, comfortable and ready for the season. Local experts will lead the stations in their areas of expertise.
Participating organizations include Flush Away Septic Service, KQC Roofing, Northern Heating and Cooling, Opportunities Inc., Cascade Electric Company and Great Falls Fire Rescue.
The workshop is free to attend but registration is required. Sign up online here or call 406-761-5861.
Youth Craft Fair
The Youth Craft Fair is Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alliance for Youth, 3220 11th Ave. S.
Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.
The Youth Craft Fair gives young people a platform to showcase their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talents.
Guests will find a variety of unique, handmade gifts—from festive holiday decorations to one-of-a-kind art, jewelry and more—all crafted by local youth. The fair is a chance to celebrate the imagination and hard work of our community’s young people while offering shoppers meaningful gifts for the holiday season.
Nutcracker with live orchestra
For the first time in more than a decade, the Great Falls Symphony is presenting The Nutcracker Ballet with live orchestral accompaniment.
Joined by the Montana Ballet Company and Electric City Youth Chorus, the symphony is bringing the beloved Christmas classic to the Mansfield Theater on Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Kahn takes to stage in new role for New World, New Beginnings symphony concert
“I am absolutely thrilled to bring the magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to Great Falls. What makes this production particularly special is how it celebrates Montana, featuring talented local dancers and a beautiful set inspired by our state’s majestic mountains. I can’t wait to share this holiday tradition with our community, and I hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a truly magical experience,” Robert Kahn, symphony music director and conductor, said in a release.
Get more information about the concert and to purchase tickets here.
Food drive
Calumet is teaming up with the Great Falls Community Food Bank for the second Cat/Griz Food Drive, inviting fans to put their school pride to work fighting hunger in Great Falls and the surrounding area.
Cat fans edged Griz supporters in last year’s drive that raised 4,300 pounds of food. Calumet also granted the Food Bank $8,000 in cash to celebrate the drive.
Beginning Oct. 26 through Nov. 20, community members can donate nonperishable food items at Calumet’s Westgate location, 1807 3rd St. N.W., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Two collection bins will be available, one for Montana State University Bobcat fans and another for University of Montana Grizzly supporters.
The winner will be announced on Nov. 21, the day of the Cat/Griz game.
Calumet will donate $1 to the Great Falls Community Food Bank for every pound of food collected.
Most Needed Items
The food bank accepts any and all nonperishable, unopened, packaged food items, but the most needed items include:
- canned fruit (oranges, pears)
- beans (baked, pork and beans, etc.)
- cereal
- peanut butter
- jelly
- canned meats
- chili
- soup
Hazardous waste collection results
The city and Veolia hosted a hazardous waste collection event in September.
City, Veolia hosting hazardous waste collection event Sept. 19
According to the city, the event collected:
- 550 gallons of flammable liquid
- 865 pounds of consumer electronics
- 664 pounds of toxic flammable liquids
- 225 pounds of lithium-ion batteries
- 4,035 pounds of paint-related materials
- 880 pounds of organic toxic solids
- 188 pounds of wet acid batteries
- 82 pounds of nonorganic corrosive materials
Coffee bus for sale
The former True Brew Express Go coffee bus is for sale as a full-service turnkey mobile coffee business with the option to continue franchising with True Brew.
My Viola
My~Viola Floral Studio is transitioning from an everyday floral shop into an event-only studio, focusing on weddings, celebrations of life/memorials, local events and parties.
They’ll continue handling everyday orders through the end of the year, then begin the transition and no longer have a supply of flowers on hand.
The plant boutique will continue operating.
Enbar
Enbär is closing the restaurant to daily service beginning in November, but will continue offering special events, catering and private event rentals.
Nosh Catering
Nosh MT Catering is closing after five years, but Chef Julie Curtis is continuing her food career in Great Falls.
Malmstrom contracts
The 341st Contracting Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base awarded:
- a requirements contract for the repair of missile alert facilities and base fire alarms with a contract ceiling of $4,999,999.99 to James Talcott Construction Inc. in the amount of $465,889. The initial ordering period of the contract is set for five years.
- a task order for the second phase of the repair north/south base water systems project to James Talcott Construction for $3,307,752. The period of performance for this award is 180 calendar days after receipt of the notice to proceed.
- horizontal construction multiple award Contract with a contract ceiling of $25,000,000 to following offerors identified below. This was a 100 percent small business set-aside with a period of performance of seven years from award date.
- Copper Creek, LLC – Great Falls, MT
- HH Apex JV LLC – Midwest City, OK
- James Talcott Construction, Inc. – Great Falls, MT
- Kahua Goodfellow Joint Venture LLC – Honolulu, HI
- Souza Construction, Inc. – Farmersville, CA
- United Materials of Great Falls Inc. – Great Falls, MT
- Wadsworth Builders Co Inc. – Great Falls, MT
