“MadeFest is a celebration of the talent in South Jersey”
South Jersey Summer Madefest will be held at the Long-A-Coming Depot in Berlin on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Long-A-Coming Depot is located at 65 Washington Ave.
“MadeFest is a celebration of the talent in South Jersey,” said Amy Petrie, founder of MadeFest. “I wanted to give a platform for our artists, makers and small businesses right on their home turf.”
Petrie is hoping everyone in town comes out.
“We had a great mix of locals and those who came as far as Philly and North Jersey for the last MadeFest in November,” she said. “Our first event was in November, coincidentally also at the Berlin Train Station. I came up with the idea for a festival for just South Jersey artists after starting South Jersey Made last year. I wanted to show that you don’t have to go into Philly for a fancy dinner or buy mass produced gifts. We have a lot of great things right here; I want people to see South Jersey how I see it.”
South Jersey Made is an online resource to connect artists, makers, small businesses and consumers in South Jersey. At MadeFest, there will be various vendors.
“We have jewelry makers, clothing designers, candle and soap makers, ceramics, a henna tattoo artist and live art — solar pyrography, which is wood burning using the sun and glass to create really intricate designs. We also have Oink & Moo BBQ, who just opened their restaurant in Voorhees and was voted the best BBQ in the state of New Jersey,” Petrie said.
Petrie does not charge vendors and does everything out of pocket. MadeFest is meant to celebrate South Jersey’s talent and history, according to Petrie.
“I know how hard it is to chase your dreams. I want to make it easier for artists, makers and small businesses to reach the people in their area,” she said. “MadeFest is a South Jersey-specific festival, so you’re supporting local artists, makers and small businesses. The money you spend goes directly back into your community,. You’ll get to see the incredible talent we have right here in South Jersey. We have a lot that we should be proud of here.”
“My hope is that some companies or established businesses can step forward and help offset some of the cost by sponsoring the event, because it truly is a community effort,” Petrie added. “I truly believe that a rising tide lifts all ships; it’s the motto I live and work by.”
For more information about the festival, visit the SJ Summer MadeFest Facebook Page. Vendors can email SJMadeFest@gmail.com to sign up.
