Mini Maker Faire comes to St. Joseph

Making, learning, crafting, and tinkering will take place below the bluff in downtown St. Joseph at the first Mini Maker Faire in Southwest Michigan.

Makers of all ages are encouraged to apply and exhibit their projects at the upcoming Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Faire, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at Whirlpool Centennial Park, 330 Broad Street.

Organizers describe the event as “part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors.”

They say it is primarily designed to be forward-looking, showcasing makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies, but it’s not just for the novel in technical fields. It features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance, and craft.

A similar event first took place in 2009 in San Mateo, Cal. Last year the ninth annual Maker Faire there drew 125,000 people. The World Maker Faire New York, which got its start three years ago, now attracts more than 500 makers and 85,000 attendees. In 2014, the event took place in Detroit and three other cities across the globe. These were featured Maker Faires, drawing more than 200 makers.

As the idea continues to spread, Mini Maker Faires, like that being planned for St. Joseph, are now taking place in 150 communities across the globe.

The local event is coming together thanks to a partnership between Maker Media, the Berrien Regional Educational Services Agency (RESA), Cornerstone Alliance, Kinexus and St. Joseph Today. 

Organizers say: “Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do.”

To learn more, watch a video here. 

Source: Cornerstone Alliance