Old Salt Festival 2026

Land is kin. Three simple words that sum up the annual Old Salt Festival held each summer in Helmville. 

The festival attracts thousands of people each year from all aspects of life: farmers, ranchers, shepherds, conservationists, chefs, makers, advocates, musicians, and city dwellers. All have one thing in common- a concern for the environment we live in and a goal of local sources, goods and foods.

Montana Fibershed represented our members with a Marketplace booth with Board members Jon and Molly Moore; vending such products as yarn, woven goods, and beginning fiber kits. More importantly, we were there to spread our mission, “regenerative and sustainable ways that support the health of our people, our soils, and the landscapes and economies that sustain us.” Our mission, and the Old Salt mission, go hand in hand.  How do we change the course of human history? Or more exactly, how do we change human history after the Industrial Revolution? How do we eliminate plastics from our clothing?  How do we deal with the mental health crisis among farmers? How do we go back to dyes not made from chemicals? How do we get younger people into jobs on the land?

We heard from the Audubon Society on bird habitat. How the ecosystem that was once billions of acres is now in the millions. They spoke of how decisions being made by us mold that ecosystem, and the effects ripple.

We heard from Kim Paul , a member of the Blackfeet nation.  She discussed many of the same issues from a Native point of view. Decisions being made far away that ripple through her community. But also how their group is working to teach young people how to use the land, raise cattle.  Their goal is to one day sell beef to the Old Salt Coop that puts on the festival.

However, for the most part, we listened, and encouraged.  A Montana farmer whose wife is growing and using natural dyes.  A vegetable farmer we encouraged to plant flax. A couple building a home on acreage who want sheep- and what sheep best fits their needs for fiber and meat.

What is most amazing about Old Salt, and was highlighted by Kim Paul: Hope. Optimism. How do we change human history? We are. Simple acts.  Small steps. The Fibershed movement began with one woman in California. Now it spans the world.

The essence of this hope was in the form of a 10 year old girl. She confidently walked up to us at the booth to say she spins her own yarn and knits with it. She devoured all the information about the spinning wheel Molly was using. We gifted her a small batch of our roving to take home and spin.

We were also scheduled as a demo on Friday- Fleece to yarn. And among the 50 or so audience members: that same bright face. When we showed how to weave in small frame looms, she excitedly asked her mother if she could buy a weaving kit. The next morning she was back at our table, telling us that she wove that night.

The smile on her face, the hope, is what we fight for. 

Jon & Molly Moore, of Hoof and Paw Farm, raise Icelandic, BFL, and Painted Desert sheep on a small farm near Helena, MT. They offer raw fleece and prepared fiber.