The magic of Pitman

BY ELLEN KERSHNER

Pitman’s Uptown on Broadway could be the most intriguing downtown area in all of South Jersey. One of the best times to experience it is the annual Lori Poisker Memorial Spring Craft Show.

It is held on the third Saturday in May and it happened this year on May 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date was May 21). It’s been going on for 50 years and has blossomed into a major undertaking: organizing this event requires logistical planning, vendor and volunteer coordination, and finalizing sponsorships. The pandemic canceled the show in 2020 and 2021 but in 2022, there were 260 vendors and a record attendance of about 10,000 attendees.

The show is named after Poisker, who passed away in 2017. She was the owner of Lori’s Loft in Uptown Pitman and was the coordinator of the Pitman Craft Shows for over 10 years and a member of the Pitman Chamber of Commerce.

“When I was growing up in Mantua, Pitman wasn’t the destination it is today. It’s thriving,” said Pitman Craft Show coordinator and longtime Pitman resident Kara Knauss, who has worked in event planning since 2018.

Knauss collaborates with current Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce President Jenny Mazzola and Councilperson Vanessa James. She also aligns her efforts with a team of dedicated volunteers from the Pitman Craft Show Committee, who show up at 5:30 a.m. on the day of the show.

“We have an incredible group of people that help with this historic event,” she said. This kind of crowd creates a need for additional parking and since the area must be closed to traffic, Knauss worked with Pitman Police Department’s Sergeant Jon Streater. There was free off-location parking, plus a free shuttle running from First and East Avenues that operated continuously during the show. Handicapped parking will also be available.

The Pitman Craft show is always a dynamic show, with shops that opened their doors and vendors on the sidewalks and streets. Handcrafted items, upcycled goods, and a mix of new and seasoned vendors were on hand.

“This year we are grateful for our Platinum 08071 please see CRAFT, page 11

Level Sponsors – The Pitman Pharmacy and Uptown Antiques; and our Gold Level Sponsors Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio and Words Matter Bookstore,” Knauss pointed out before the show. The show included non-profits, costumed characters, high school sports club participants, and of course, food for every taste imaginable.

“It always feels like a huge celebration,” Knauss said. “It’s a block-party vibe with a spirit of camaraderie. And once the show ends, local high school students pitch in to help with the breakdown.”

Most of the businesses remained open for visitors. Some enjoyed dinner and/or enjoyed a show at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman afterward.

Pitman’s Craft Shows are the lifeblood of the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce. The show helps fund grants for businesses, and last year’s success allowed the Chamber to provide one to every single business that applied. It also benefits the Pitman Bucks Program and community events like Fourth Fridays. The Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce also sponsors the Fall Craft Show each year, on the third Saturday in September. That one is even bigger, with approximately 350 vendors.

Both shows are important for Pitman because they attract vendors and guests from throughout Gloucester County, neighboring counties, and further out.

“All of our localized events introduce people to the vibrant spirit of Pitman,” said Knauss. “And many visitors connect with the unique architecture, businesses, historic district, and friendly people. It’s not unusual for people to attend Chamber shows and to move here to be part of the Pitman magic.”

For more information about the Pitman Craft Shows and other GPCC events, visit www.uptownpitman.com or find them on Uptown Pitman on Facebook and Instagram.