The third annual Makers & Doers Festival, Sept. 27-28, has grown over the past couple years, now filling Springfield Oaks County Park.
“The growth has been phenomenal ? people are interested in it,” said Stephanie Jones, show director. “We never envisioned it would become what it is today. The response has been overwhelming.”
Formerly known as Weekend in the Country, the festival is a fusion of Pinterest and Etsy, arts and crafts and vintage redecorating, with refurbished furniture, home accessories, vintage jewelry, and fashion.
“It has something for everyone, even the husbands ? it’s just so much fun,” said Michelle Hillman, owner of Johnnie’s Daughter in Village of Goodrich, who will bring her selections of vintage, boutique home d’cor and repurposed furniture.
In the first year, Hillman booked half a tent.
“I had butterflies the first year,” she said. ‘But I sold out of everything.?
Now she will fill a 20-by-30-foot tent.
“People are into reusing stuff instead of throwing it away,” she said.
“People come out even if it rains,” Jones said. “With the Ellis Barn, it’s a gorgeous setup. We’ll use every building.”
New features this year includes the Drunken Goat Saloon, hosted by Valentine Distilling Detroit and Fenton Winery and Brewery featuring local singer songwriters, with craft beers and local wines.
“We’re adding and tweaking some things this year,” Jones said. “We’re adding how-to speakers and bloggers, and expanding food selections. We’re kind of foodies.”
It’s an all day affair, Hillman said.
“People come in as soon as gates open. They come back the next day, too,? she said.
The festival will include 125 juried artisans, crafters, makers and doers, as well as appearances by HGTV’s Cari Cucksey of RePurpose, on-site appraisals by Doug Dalton Auctioneer, seasonal d’cor tips, presentations by experts like Sarah Macklem of the Yellow Cape Code blog, and food from CRUST, a baking company food truck, Rollin? Stone Pizzas, and Ned’s Travel Burger.
Shopping includes repurposed map wearables from Chella’s Collection; vintage baubles from Pink Eyed Sissies; handmade Soy Candle from Beckley’s Best Blends; and home d’cor pieces from Cerca Trova Vintage.
They’ll also have free activities for kids, yoga courtesy of Brighton’s Bent Yoga Studio, beauty treatments in the Glam Stalls, and cooking demonstrations by Sisters on the Fly.
“They talk about fly fishing, camping, glamping, all weekend long,” Jones said. “Gourmet food for all walks of life. We love them.”
Festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, rain or shine, at the park, 12451 Andersonville Road. Cost is $6 per person, free for kids under 12.
Bring new mittens and gloves for Mittens for Detroit for a discount. Early bird weekend pass, starting at 8:30 a.m., is $20. Parking is free.
For more information, visit’www.makersanddoersfestival.com,? www.facebook.com/pages/Makers-and-Doers-Festival, email’Handcrafters Show Management Co. at info@hcshows.com’or call 734-459-0050.