Not your average craft fair: Wausau Makers Market set to launch in August

A new creative venture that aims to engage and inspire a community of artists, makers and shoppers will make its debut in August.

Masterminded by a pair of local graphic designers, the Wausau Makers Market is set to launch Aug. 3, in conjunction with the Wausau River District’s First Thursday event. The Market will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Alyson Leahy and Alex Eichten, the nonprofit organization’s founders, seek to provide local creatives not only a space to sell their products, but also a sense of community and the start of a professional network.

Wausau Makers Market will feature superb, handcrafted products made by local artisans in a well-designed area outside of Malarkey’s Pub. A portion of Third Street will be closed for the duration of the event.

“The overall aesthetic is incredibly important to us,” Eichten said. “We want Market-goers to experience something special.”

And make no mistake. This is no ordinary “craft fair.”

The organization has been recruiting carefully-vetted vendors by word-of-mouth and social media, and both Eichten and Leahy said they are pleased with the public reception.

“We’re not looking for only traditionally fine art vendors – think woodworking, metalworking, soap making and more,” Leahy said.

Guests can linger outside for live music, then head into Malarkey’s for a signature cocktail when they’re all shopped out.

Makers Markets have cropped up in communities nationwide as a way to connect quality artists with each other, and allow those who attend to shop, socialize with the artists themselves, relax, and discover something new. Every piece on display is carefully designed and handcrafted by some of the most talented creators in the area.

“We’ve been following makers markets in other communities, and felt that it was time to start something in Wausau,” Eichten said. “We think that there is a large enough creative network to support such a marketplace right here in our own city.”