MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A creative summertime market returned to Manistique on Saturday.
About a dozen vendors set up shop at Triangle Park for the first Makers Market of the season.
“Makers Market has been here a few years,” said Lake Effect Community Arts Center Board Member Katie Birdsley. “We cater exclusively to makers. If you create something, we want you here.”
Makers offered everything from jewelry and crafts to baked goods and Yooper-themed candles.
“The scent reminds you of a place or a memory that you had in the U.P.,” Of Curious Nature Candle Co. Kitt Latsch said. “I use all-natural soy wax, fragrance oils that are free of toxins and carcinogens, so they burn very, very cleanly.”
For vendors like Latsch, the Makers Market is an opportunity to reach new customers.
“It’s great to expose ourselves to the local community because, otherwise, people might not know you as a small business,” she said. “I think more and more people are looking to these type of venues rather than going to the big box stores for gifts. It’s very personable.”
Birdsley says the Makers Market is also a fun way to get people downtown.
“We also have the Social District,” she said. “You can enjoy a beverage from one of our local establishments and then carry it down to Makers Market with you and just explore the entire area.”
Lake Effect Community Arts encourages locals, tourists, and area artisans to check out the upcoming Makers Markets on June 15, July 20, and August 31.
“We try to foster a community,” said Birdsley. “We try to build a place where we can get to know each other and so we know, ‘Oh, you’re looking for something in particular? My friend has that down the street.’ Honestly, we spend all winter cooped up. Why not come spend a Saturday out in the sun? Let’s just enjoy all of it together.”
Visit the Makers Market of Manistique Facebook page for more information on upcoming events or to inquire about becoming a vendor. For more on Of Curious Nature Candle Co., visit Latsch’s Etsy shop or Facebook page.
