By Brent Huff
South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development (SAND) hosted its third annual Ormewood Park Makers festival on May 28, drawing crowds to celebrate the creativity and community spirit of the SAND neighborhoods. The festival transformed two blocks of Woodland and Delaware Avenues into a vibrant community hub, with Ormewood Church serving as the central gathering place.
The festival, aptly named Makers, celebrates the creativity of the community by showcasing talented artists: woodworkers, jewelry makers, painters, metal workers, potters, and more. In addition to featuring these makers, SAND also provided booths to more than a dozen nonprofit institutions, rounding out the event with a focus on deeper community engagement. The festival offered a well-rounded experience for all ages, with free workshops covering an amazing range of topics, from Ballet and Yoga to Martial Arts and Native Plant Gardening.
Nestled in the cool shade of the Ormewood Church grove, the Makers Stage pulsed with live music throughout the festival. Seven bands kept the energy high, entertaining the crowds from the start to the finish of the festival. In addition to the music, a diverse array of food offerings tempted festival goers. From gourmet food trucks to local favorites at dedicated stalls, there was something to satisfy every palate, ensuring a well-fueled day of celebration.
2024’s Makers Festival boasted a vibrant marketplace featuring over 70, mostly local, artisans. Organizers were met with enthusiastic praise from makers, who lauded the festival as a favorite. This strong sense of community was a recurring theme, with artists citing the festival’s loyal returning attendees as a major draw. This dedicated audience fosters a supportive environment where SAND’s Makers can thrive.
The festival has been a financial success for each of the last three festival years. This has allowed SAND to invest back into the community. Stay tuned for how we will return this year’s net gain into the community.
The Makers Festival organizer, Christian Mendonça, has been at the helm for the last three Makers Festivals. Christian is beloved by the neighborhood. Sadly, he is relocating out-of-state for work. The SAND community wishes Christian and his family the best in his new endeavor.
Makers will return for our fourth annual festival in May of 2025 with an expanded leadership team. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to treasurer@sandatlanta.org
