Sat 6/6 @ 10AM-6PM
Cleveland, and the Rust Belt in general, is a place where things are made. Even in an era where most items you buy are made in China, Cleveland remains a viable hotbed of ingenuity. Need convincing? Check out the third annual Mini Maker Faire happening at the Cleveland Public Library.
The Cleveland Mini Maker Faire describes itself as a “show-and-tell style family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.” Attendees can expect to mingle with an assortment of makers from the region’s business, nonprofit, and scholastic sectors. In 2014 over 100 makers were there (up from fewer then 50 in 2013) showcasing the intriguing, the creative, the innovative and the just plain ol’ bizarre.
Last year nearly 4,000 people showed up to witness dancers dangling from the ceiling, to try their hand at conductivity via bananas and learn how to get kids interested in STEM. This year attendees can talk to even more people doing cool things in the community, engage in hands-on experiments and learn something new.
“We’re very excited to be partnering again with the Cleveland Public Library this year,” said Paula Grooms, Ingenuity’s executive director, on CMMF’s website. “Maker Faires are part of a national trend that are inspiring creativity and industry growth and we are very fortunate to have major institutions like the Library supporting this movement.”
“This event allows us to continue to fulfill our goal to redefine the library as a resource for exploration and inspiration,” said Aaron Mason, the Cleveland Public Library’s programming director. “Last year, the CMMF was the single largest one-day event held in the library’s history, so we’re anxious to see if we can try and break that record!”
Here’s a rundown of just a few of this year’s makers:
Lake Erie Boat Float – Every year this event raises awareness about the impacts of plastics on our lake. Part design competition and part race, the Float features boats made entirely of recycled materials taken from the waters of Lake Erie.
‘Street Legal’ St. Edward’s Robotics Team – Who doesn’t love robots? The boys at St. Ed’s know a thing or two about them — their team has been competing against surrounding Ohio high schools in the FIRST Robotics Competitions since 2007 and are eager to show off their skills.
Dr. U.R. Awesome – He might be the world’s foremost bubble-ologist. Seriously, you’ve never seen bubbles of these proportions. He’ll enthrall and entertain with interactive science experiments for the young — and young at heart.
Viva Dance Studio – Yes, the Cleveland Mini Maker Faire isn’t all about technology. It’s about innovation — and that applies to the dance floor, as well. Viva Dance Studio will be there performing different dance styles hourly, from the salsa and Argentine tango all the way to ballroom, swing, waltz and cha cha.
And, of course, there will be much more so take the day or take an hour to pop into the library and learn, discover and create at this free event.
[Photo: Frank Lanza]
Cool Cleveland correspondent Sarah Valek studied art and writing at Ithaca College. After graduation, she came back to Cle and served two years as an AmeriCorps*VISTA with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. She can be found on all sides of the city in pursuit of homeschooling activities for her son and the perfect soy latte. Contact her at CoolEditor@CoolCleveland.com or via Twitter.
Cleveland, OH 44114