I attended a Lowertown Pop blogger preview event sponsored by MNBloggerBash and received sample products from several local makers.  As always, all content and opinions are my own.

As longtime readers know, I love to support local businesses, from my CSA farmer to my favorite Ethiopian restaurant.  Recently, I had a chance to take a sneak peak at some of the dozens of local artisans and craftspeople who will be selling their wares at Lowertown Pop, a maker event at St. Paul's Union Depot on Saturday, April 15, 2017.  Featuring brewers, bakers, distillers, artists, musicians, and more, Lowertown Pop offers something for everyone.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, with all proceeds benefiting River's Edge Academy and one lucky Minnesota maker.

I'm giving away two Lowertown Pop tickets to a randomly selected reader--enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of this post.

Wondering what products you'll find at Lowertown Pop?  Here's a listing of the talented makers I met at the blogger preview:

Sips and Nibbles

Fast Mary's makes mixing up a batch a Bloody Mary's easy: just add their "enhancer" to tomato juice and your alcohol of choice for the perfectly seasoned morning cocktail.  I liked the horseradish kick of the hot flavor, but there's also a mild version for tender palates.

If you want to mix up a locally sourced Bloody Mary, BET Vodka is made from locally grown sugar beets, with a smoother taste than traditional vodkas and a hint of vanilla.

More of a beer person?  Yoerg Brewing Company is a contemporary reboot of Minnesota's first commercial brewery, founded in 1848 and eventually shuttered in 1952.  Yoerg's flagship beer is a steam lager based on the original recipe, and they eventually plan to offer bock, double bock, and Pilsner-style beers.

Perfectly portioned Kerry's Donut Bites are a cross between a cake and old-fashioned donut, with slightly crisp exteriors and soft, pillowy centers.  They're available in classic flavors like powdered sugar, vanilla glazed, and cinnamon sugar--I highly recommend the chocolate with sprinkles.

Sara's Tipsy Pies pair traditional fillings with local alcohol, from apples baked with 2Gingers Irish Whiskey to pumpkin spiked with Flat Earth Brewery’s Mummy Train Pumpkin Ale.  I loved the boozy blueberry lemon pie made with rosé wine from Chateau Saint Croix. 

Cravin' Pie bakes up uniquely flavored miniature pies like brownie batter and cranberry pecan.  If you're a pie crust junkie like me, the clover-shaped coconut macaroon pies have the perfect crust-to-filling ratio.

Pamper Yourself

The Bath Bird produces handmade bath and body products like bath bombs, soaking salts, scrubs, soaps, and lip balms.  I'm looking forward to trying out my luxurious pink champagne bath bomb and colorful "Over the Rainbow" bubble bath bar.  I've already broken into my lovely passionfruit rose lip balm--it's like perfume for your lips!

Essence One scents their natural deodorants, soaps, lotions, cleaning products, and more with calming blends of essential oils.  I love the refreshing "Breathe" bar soap made with eucalyptus and spearmint oils and the soothing honey mint lip balm.

StormSister Spatique offers their own line of "shhh" shampoo/shower/shave bars (great for carry-on travelers) and lipsticks.

Bodylish crafts natural, minimally packaged bath bombs, shampoos, gourmet soaps, and lotion bars, like the "Yum" moisturizing body scrub made with cocoa and shea butters, sea salt, and cardamom.

Hart and Soul Herbal makes small-batch, sustainable apothecary, aromatherapy, and personal care products, including Agony Mud Bombs to relieve aching feet.

For the Fashionista

Desdamona Doolittle crafts funky accessories from recycled leather.  The cord keeper makes a nifty little gift, and I bought a leather cuff that's understated enough to wear to work.

Moxie Malas offers gorgeous beaded necklaces and bracelets, some of which include porous lava stones that you can use to diffuse essential oils.

Anywhere Apparel is a versatile and functional clothing line designed for travel, with classic styling and thoughtful details like hidden pockets to stash valuables. 

FOAT designs high-end, sustainable yoga apparel and handmade couture items.

Great Gifts

Excelsior Candle Co. produces hand-poured soy candles made with custom essential oil fragrance blends--I loved the pineapple and sage. 

Northern Glasses makes travel, Minnesota, and beer-themed pint glasses (my favorite one features the Minneapolis skyline).   

These makers are a small sampling of the 50+ vendors who will be at Lowertown Pop at St. Paul's Union Depot on April 15, 2017.  Enter the giveaway below by midnight on April 9, 2017 for a chance to win two free tickets!

Can't make it to Lowertown Pop?  Many of the makers' products are available online via the links I've included in this post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway