In 1976 the Vice President of Trade Development for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce decided that Aiken needed an event to attract people to the downtown area. Thus, Aiken’s Makin’ was born. This festival was to be a “showcase” for items made by local residents. For many years the festival was held downtown along the sidewalks of the local stores. However as the festival has grown and attracted more and more vendors, the event has moved to the parkways of the downtown area.
Through the years the event has grown from a mere 50 vendors to 300. Vendors show everything from pottery, woodcrafts, furniture, baskets, stained glass, quilts, clothing, needlecrafts, toys, jewelry, ceramics, art and many other items. The one prerequisite is that all items must be handmade by the seller.
Food has also become a staple at the event. Aiken’s Makin’ draws quite a crowd during the two day event. Attendance is estimated to be 30,000 to 35,000 people in our parkways over the course of the two day event.
The Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce is still the governing body of Aiken’s Makin,’ but, with the support of over 100 volunteers, the entire community joins forces and works together to make this a safe and enjoyable event for everyone involved from the vendors to the shoppers.