FILE PHOTO
Members of the public stop and look at artists during Makers Market and Second Friday last year in Berlin.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(May 9, 2019) More than 100 people are expected to attend the launch of the 2019 season of Makers Market in downtown Berlin.

Heather Layton, president of the Berlin Arts and Entertainment District, said the monthly event, held in conjunction with second Friday, will run from May to October.

“We want locals to come out. We want visitors to the town to come out. We want shop owners to participate,” Layton said. “We’re just constantly trying to figure out a way to get everyone involved.”

Makers Market is on Jefferson and Commerce streets in downtown Berlin. On Jefferson Street, the market begins at 5 p.m., and the market on Commerce Street starts at 6:30 p.m. The event wraps up around 8:30 p.m.

The market will offer handmade items such as art, jewelry and pottery.

Layton also said all businesses participating in Second Friday will have matching flags notifying townspeople that they will stay open later, and “we’re hoping that that kind of ties everything together.”

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHANIE FOWLER/SALT WATER MEDIA

Layton also said the evening event gives people an opportunity to take advantage of the many shops in the business district.

“It’s kind of just something for everybody [to] get out and support your neighbor [and] see what they’re doing,” Layton said.

In addition to the ample supply of art at Makers Market, Layton said shoppers and visitors can take advantage of food and live music from several area restaurant and bars, including the Atlantic Hotel, the Globe and Sister’s.

“They [The Globe] have been doing a great job of bringing new musicians to town that have never played in Berlin before, specifically for second Friday,” she said.

“It should be a good crowd and [we’re] hoping for good weather,” Layton said.

Early-week forecasts show a cloudy sky and a high of 74 degrees.

In the event of inclement weather, the decision to cancel Makers Market will be made at 9 a.m. on the day of the event.

Layton said she couldn’t be happier with the timing of this month’s Makers Market as it’s taking place the same day as Reggae Play Day.

She added the Arts and Entertainment District would provide a tie-dye station and materials for festivalgoers to create their own designs.

Funding for the tie-dye station was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. Layton said the grant money will be used for craft activities during each Second Friday event.

It costs vendors $25 to sell their items for the season, or $5 per event. Vendors also need to sign up with the Berlin Police Department. The vendor form should be completed and returned with a $5 fee to Baked Dessert Cafe and Gallery on Bay Street in Berlin, according to the market’s website.

For more information, visit artsinberlin.org/makers-market.

This article was updated to reflect the correct time of the market opening on Jefferson Street.