By: Isaiah S. Showell, Follow South Jersey Multimedia Journalist/’What’s Good’ Host
BRIDGETON, N.J. — Makers Day is a statewide celebration of makers culture in New Jersey and an opportunity for families to come out and make things while learning about new things. This is the first Makers Day in person since the pandemic and families came out in droves to Hopeloft and registered themselves for the different events.
“In Hopeloft some of the activities we have include book binding, making slime, and a demonstration of oyster dissection,” said Curtis Williams the community and programs director at Appel Farm. “This took a lot of planning. Last year we did a virtual makers day so coming back in-person was a big change. It required a lot of logistics and it’s a great opportunity to come together and do something for the community.”
Families had several places to enjoy not just at Hopeloft. The Nail House tour was generated for families to explore this historical piece of Bridgeton and make posters highlighting it with Margaret De Marco who led the poster making and Rita Lynn Lyman of Chaba- the Center for Historic American Building Arts who made a special project out of reclaimed wood.
The Steamworks building housed Fred MacFarland teaching families how to work with their hands making small boxes with the laser printer while on the second floor. Kerry Rodger’s Jr., also known as NuK Beats da prime example, taught music engineering in the studio while Miranda Lopez of The Hilo Fiber Bar taught string art.
“We had the kids take nails, string, and yarn and hammer it down into wood and create images,” said Lopez. “We focused on entrepreneurship, so we made little lightbulbs that say believe in yourself because at the end of the day you always have to believe in yourself.”
The event started at 2:00 p.m. and wrapped up at 6:00 leaving several families in South Jersey with plenty to take home once the event ended. It’s definitely what’s good in South Jersey!
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