MOOSIC — A first annual “Tapped and Tatted” event drew a large crowd of tattoo enthusiasts, shoppers and those who simply wanted to enjoy an adult beverage on a rainy day.
The event served as a fundraiser for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby, with the group pivoting from “Winefest,” which had previously been the spring event’s theme.
“We felt it better matched our energy and our vibe,” said Chelsi Heinrich, spokesperson for the group. “We were looking for a way to make it better.”
Heinrich said she believed the group made an excellent choice when it chose the event’s new theme.
“We feel great about the turnout,” she said, adding that there were 20 crafter vendors, five vendors offering alcoholic beverages and four tattoo artists.
Hayley Zee, of Happy Tattoo, Luzerne, was one of several tattoo artists at a “Tapped and Tatted” event Saturday in Moosic. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Marilyn Woyshnar of Voodoo Brewing Co. serves up cold beverages to customers at a “Tapped and Tatted” event Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
The inaugural “Tapped and Tatted” event raised money for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Roller Derby teams Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Melissa Rossi of Marc’s Tattooing, inks a client at a “Tapped and Tatted” event Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Charlotte Jacobson, a team captain, agreed.
She pointed out as soon as the doors opened, people began arriving.
A welcome sign reminded attendees, “Eighteen to ink, 21 to drink.”
Specialty “mocktails” were also available and were a crowd favorite.
A great way to spend an afternoon
Tattoo artist Hayley Zee of Happy Tattoo, Luzerne, was happily sharing her ink art with those who stopped by her stand.
Zee said the event was a great opportunity for those not familiar with tattooing to stop by and get familiar with the process.
It was also a great chance to shop for alternative artwork, which is not generally found at craft fairs, she said.
She enjoyed participating as a vendor.
“It was really well organized,” she said. “A really cool event.”
Roller Derby enthusiast Theresa Cornish of Pottsville attended the event to support the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby teams, attending with five friends.
Soon after arriving, the six made quick work of scouting out unique pieces of artwork, to add to their home decor or as gifts to others.
Cornish purchased a colorful painting, which she described as “unique.”
“This is pretty cool,” she said. “You don’t see this kind of stuff all the time.”
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby fans are looking forward to next weekend’s “Bear, Beets, Battle of the B Teams” tournament at Revolution Ice Centre, Pittston.
Eight teams will go head- to-head in the bracketed regulation tournament, to be held June 6, 7 and 8.