2nd Sandbar amps up PAsty Fest!

​2nd Sandbar Productions has been working in the Keweenaw since 2018. Daena, lead editor, has been a professional video editor for over 12/13 years. “We are in the business of visual storytelling,” said Amanda Makela, intrepid founder of 2nd Sandbar Productions. “That has really evolved over the years. Daena edits television/film remotely for clients outside Michigan, all while we actively produce media ranging from social media features for Visit Keweenaw and From the Ground Farmer’s Market to videos disseminating research from Michigan Tech. We’ve created small business profiles, product shoots, event coverage, music videos, live streams, fundraiser media, news B-roll, and hopefully more documentary storytelling – all manner of visual media.”

Makela says 2nd Sandbar takes on many social media management roles as businesses and organizations begin to understand its value. Social media connects users with the right products, services and businesses to meet their needs and fuel their wants. 2nd Sandbar’s goal is to help organizations get off the ground, by setting things up in a way to be taken over at the end.
Getting involved with Pasty Fest was a natural step for Makela.

“In 2019, we made a community interest piece with Leah Polzien describing Pasty Fest as a way to build our portfolio,” said Makela. “My best friend, Rebekka Mikkola had already been a longtime volunteer at Pasty Fest. She had adopted the Eating Competition as her personal project, and in the ensuing years I joined Rebekka’s cause in a supportive role. Leah was honestly just relieved to have one less thing to manage, and let Rebekka and I go nuts.”

Makela and Mikkola felt the eating competition embodied the spirit of rock and roll. This spawned a t-shirt sale idea that turned into a $1,000 fundraiser for Main Street Calumet. Now, a yearly design is released, building hype around the eating competition and driving pasty lovers to the annual celebration.

“I am particularly touched by the spirit of the Keweenaw,” said Makela. “A sense of community, of support grows off the year. There’s an obvious kitsch value to Pasty Fest that appeal to me – those who know me, know I’m pretty odd myself. I see Leah at Main Street working her butt off for Calumet, and I can’t help but be drawn to the underdog story. A small town, a niche fest… let’s show the world how awesome it can be!”
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If you’re looking to get in touch with 2nd Sandbar Productions, visit their website.