Aiken’s Makin’ Festival Set to Dazzle with Arts, Crafts, and Food on September 6 and 7

Aiken Prepares for Aiken’s Makin’ Festival on September 6 and 7

Aiken, South Carolina, is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year: Aiken’s Makin’. Set to take place on September 6 and 7, the festival will fill a 3½-block stretch of Park Avenue with a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, and delicious food. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, welcoming both locals and visitors alike.

A Tradition with a Twist

With nearly 50 years of history, Aiken’s Makin’ continues to be a cherished community celebration. This year, festival organizers promise a fantastic blend of returning favorites and exciting new vendors. According to Dianne Phillips, the show director and vice president of administration for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, about 30% of the vendors will be participating for the first time. “We’ve got a great selection this year,” said Phillips. “I think there’s going to be something for everybody.”

A Variety of Offerings

Festivalgoers can expect to find around 200 arts and crafts vendors and about 20 food vendors showcasing their products. Shoppers will have the chance to choose from a wide array of handmade items, including pottery, jewelry, toys, paintings, and photographs. Food lovers can indulge in gourmet barbecue sauces, pickles, beef jerky, and much more. The selection promises to cater to all tastes and preferences.

Spotlight on New Vendors

This year, visitors will be excited to find innovative newcomers among the vendors. One standout is Angela Santoro from the Scribbler Experiment. Her unique fabric creations are especially intriguing. Santoro designs her own black and white fabrics, crafting items such as stuffed animals, tote bags, pillows, and Christmas ornaments that buyers can personalize with fabric markers. Another new vendor, Kono Pizza, will be serving up pizzas in cones, providing a fun and easy way to enjoy this favorite treat.

Returning Favorites

While the new vendors add an exciting element, many crowd-pleasers will be back to meet their fans. Ginny’s Fudge and Nuts, known for its sweet delights, is expected to draw large crowds once again. Additionally, Palmetto Bowls will return, featuring healthy bowls filled with ingredients like fruit, honey, peanut butter, and granola.

Free Admission and Community Spirit

Aiken’s Makin’ is free to attend, making it accessible for everyone in the community. With an expected turnout between 3,000 to 5,000 people at various times during the event, Phillips notes that it can be challenging to predict attendance due to multiple entry points. “There could be 3,000 to 5,000 onsite at any given time, and the number churns all day,” she explained.

The event also aims to bring attention to the local businesses along Park Avenue. “It is the Chamber’s hope that people walking through the show will see stores that they’re not aware of,” Phillips added. Retailers along the route are expected to benefit from the increased foot traffic, whether they are open to engage with customers or hosting sidewalk sales.

Details for Festivalgoers

As the community prepares for this beloved festival, participants are encouraged to mark their calendars for a weekend filled with fun, creativity, and connection. Aiken’s Makin’ offers an opportunity to celebrate local talent, enjoy unique foods, and indulge in a true community event.

For more information about the festival, visit the Aiken Chamber of Commerce website. Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration in Aiken!