Spring is in the air in Hill City

Spring is in the air and the merchants of Hill City are welcoming the change of seasons with an all-day community-wide event to highlight local artists and businesses.

Spring is in the Air will take place March 21 and feature a full day of fashion, art and special promotions across the community.

Visitors can explore Hill City’s art scene through a city-wide art walk, mapped out to feature 10 local galleries and two public art installations. Those looking to spark their own creativity can participate in a spring-inspired painting class with local artist Twyla Robbins at Elizabeth’s Coffee, starting at 3:30 p.m. The $35 fee includes all supplies, and participants will take home their finished artwork. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance by contacting Mackenzie Swanson at Homestead Studio.

The event will highlight over 20 local businesses, each with its own unique sale, promotion or event special. Customers will receive a raffle ticket with each purchase from participating businesses for a chance to win one of ten drawings following each of the day’s two fashion showcases.

“The idea is to create a marquee event,” said co-coordinator Kendra Scott, “and really showcase what Hill City has to offer, even during the month of March.” 

The first showcase will begin at 1 p.m. at With the Wind Winery and will feature products and styles from a variety of local businesses. Guests can enjoy a build-your-own mimosa bar and a chef-prepared seasonal lunch special. The raffle drawing will follow the showcase, around 3 p.m.

“The idea was to have something that could inspire anyone about Spring. We’re talking art, clothing, hair. This isn’t a traditional style showcase,” said Scott.

Between the two showcases, live music by Kyle Youngblood will take place at With the Wind Winery from 3-5 p.m. The performance is sponsored by the Hill City Arts Council.

The Chute Rooster will host the second showcase beginning at 6 p.m. in the upstairs event space. A different line-up of local businesses will be featured, with a full menu and bar available alongside a variety of signature drink specials. The final raffle drawing will take place following the showcase, around 8 p.m.

“You’re going to come eye-to-eye with who owns that business or manages that business, because they will emcee their own portion of the event,” said Scott. “It’s kind of an up-close and personal.”

Scott hopes the showcase event will help connect community members with local business owners and help to “put a face with a name” and to emphasize the importance of shopping local, keeping the cash-flow within the community.

“I just really want people to kind of pause and think, ‘I can get that in Hill City, and I’m going to buy it from a person I know, who is putting it back into the community,’” she said.

Scott and Swanson also hope the event will provide a full experience for participants.

“This is driven on building an experience, but yet, being able to showcase all these different businesses and then have an emphasis on art, style, fashion, home, and spring,” said Scott.

Like and follow the Spring Is In The Air Facebook event page for event information, a list of participating business, special promotions, maps and more  at facebook.com/HillCitySpringisintheAir.