1st Mars Maker Market kicks off summer season
MARS — The first of four Mars Maker Markets was held Friday, June 23, around the borough’s iconic flying saucer.
Organizer Amy Brown, assistant secretary and treasurer for the borough, said over 450 people had signed up to come to the inaugural event, which ran from 4 to 6 p.m.
“This is just another way that we’re trying to bring more business in for local businesses, and the more of them that we can get to participate, the better,” Brown said. “You know, we’re trying to work together to kind of revitalize our little downtown.”
The Mars Maker Market invites local craftspeople, artisans and businesses downtown each month through September to share “the best of what Mars has to offer.”
“We have food trucks, we have some handmade jewelry, we have some crochet vendors,” Brown said. “So there’s beer, coffee, a couple different food trucks … and then just sprinkled in with the food will be some handmade crafts and local artisans.”
Anastacia Nelson, of Chaotic Threads, and her child, AJ, said they had signed on for all of the markets this summer.
“I am so excited, because I’m always looking for craft shows and vendors — we go from Mercer to Ambridge to Pittsburgh — and to have one literally a block from my house is great,” Nelson said.
Selling crocheted “worry worms,” “chills pills” and “emotional-support pickles,” she said Chaotic Threads focused on providing support for mental health.
She said AJ, who has been crocheting since age 6, actually taught her the skill.
“It stopped my anxiety, and it helps AJ,” Anastacia said.
Additionally, Anastacia said the sales from the markets would help purchase a car for AJ’s 16th birthday in November.
Barb Garing with Sozo Boutique said she was also at the market for advocacy.
“We are part of Living in Liberty and it is an anti-human trafficking organization — we are the Sozo Boutique,” Garing said. “For the women who have been rescued out of human trafficking, we give them a skill and a place to live, and we teach them how to make jewelry, and then we are out here at the market selling their product and also supporting the women who make these items.”
Garing said she had also signed on to participate in the summerlong markets.
“A lot of people think that human trafficking is not in this area, but Cranberry Township is a huge portal for human trafficking, as is the Pittsburgh area as well,” Garing said. “So we’re just trying to inform people and give them an opportunity to support these women.”
Tiffany Keffalas, owner of Keffalas Design, said she felt the markets would only grow in scope as the summer went on.
“I’ve seen the crowds here for the fall festival, and I think it has the potential to grow to that, for sure,” Keffalas said.
Also in attendance Friday were Hot Mama’s Pierogies; Vintage Finds, Mars Design Studio; Studio Mischief & Green Rose Engraving; Find Your Inner Empress, Global Street Foods; Huate Collections; PGH Crepes; and 27 Lab Designs.
The borough has planned three additional markets for the fourth Friday of each month through September: July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 20.
Brown said the borough is still accepting vendors for all of the future markets.
Find the vendor application at marsborough.com by seeking out the “Visit Mars’ tab and clicking on ‘Mars Maker Market.’
Jennifer Milliron, owner of 27 Lab Designs and purveyor of crochet-animals, said Friday’s market was just the beginning for the event.
“I think it’s going to be a really good turnout,” Milliron said. “It’s the start of a really big thing.”
