The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance outdid themselves once again with the 2022 Makers Trail Festival at Weko Beach. Saturday, June 11th was a perfectly overcast, 74 degree day, and the happy faces of festival attendees filled the many tents and event space, eager for local tastings and a day of enjoyment.
The Makers Trail Festival is a massive undertaking, set up for nineteen different Makers pedaling beverages to sip and savor, live music, and food trucks, and with the added help of over 120 volunteers, the organizations involved built another outstanding festival.
“We weren’t sure what to expect, being that the festival hasn’t happened for the last two years, but clearly people missed it and were incredibly excited to be back! It was a huge success,” says Sarah Spoonholtz, Director of Membership and Events at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. Local wine, beer, cider, and spirits flowed from bottle to taster, from small sample size to full glasses of fun.
A refreshing breeze from Lake Michigan carried the aroma of many foods served by multiple food trucks through the crowds of people; some in beach chairs waiting for the bands to begin, some standing in line to satisfy hungry bellies. South Shore Ovenworks, Don Chepe, Water & Wheat, Small Town Grounds, and Wood, Stock, & Grill provided a delicious assortment of foodstuffs: wood fired pizza, Volkswagen-smoked BBQ, tasty tacos, cold brew, slushies, and plant-based cuisine. The fresh flavors of Summer complimented each beverage quite deliciously, and by the end of the evening, most vendors were sold out of multiple items. Water & Wheat collaborated with Peat’s Cider Social to produce a delicious cider-infused vegan brat, illustrating how hyperlocal (and exciting) our ‘eats and drinks’ are in Southwest Michigan.
Live music is a huge draw to the Makers Trail Festival, and many guests camped out for the entire day to hear the fantastic musical stylings of Pablo’s Great Revenge, Edgar Willbury Experience, The Tribute Band, and Top Secret. These talented local bands entertained the masses with rock, country, classics, and covers, and added that extra special touch to this Saturday in Bridgman.
Makers, sponsors, and organizers alike were elated with the efficiency, grandeur, and overall success of the Makers Trail Festival:
“My husband and I had so much fun and thought it was very well organized. We have friends down there we called and went with, and they had fun as well. We can’t wait until next year!” says Carla Orent, Associate Account Manager at sponsor Republic Services.
“I’m so happy you asked me to work Weko!!! I’m in for next year!” says Robin Carey, first-time volunteer.
“I had a blast yesterday pouring beers at the Makers Trail Festival 2022. The best part was seeing and hugging so many good friends, and singing and dancing along to all the bands! Southwest Michigan has such an amazing community of makers, including my new friends at Silver Harbor Brewing Company,” adds Maria Rosner, volunteer.
With an estimated 2,500 people in attendance this year, the Makers Trail Festival has proven to be a staple for Summer in Southwest Michigan. Exhibited is the fun-loving nature of our locals, the hardworking perseverance of our regional Makers, and how we continue to support, uplift, and encourage one another in business, friendship, and community.
The Makers Trail was created by the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, and serves as a travel guide of makers, distillers, wineries, breweries, and restaurants that celebrate the pourable products of Southwest Michigan, made in Southwest Michigan. To learn more about the nineteen makers that served at the 2022 Makers Trail Festival and the sponsors that made the event possible, visit makerstrail.org. Congrats on a great success!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
