Mini Maker Faire - WKTV Journal

By Christie Bender

The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is back at the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a fifth year, on Saturday, Aug. 18, and Sunday, Aug. 19. There is still time for any makers interested in participating – the Call to Makers is now extended through Tuesday, Aug. 7.

Maker Faire celebrates community members who are making or creating things by inviting them to share with the public what they have made. Everyone is a maker, and unfinished products are also encouraged.

Part science fair, part county fair and part something entirely new, Maker Faire features both established and emerging local makers. The Grand Rapids Maker Faire is a family-friendly celebration featuring tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students and commercial exhibitors.

This year, the Grand Rapids Maker Faire will feature an official Maker Faire beer, made by local brewery Two Guys Brewing. See what a brew day looks like at the Faire with Rivertown Homebrewers, learn more about Two Guys Brewing and enjoy samples of various craft beers and hard seltzers at the cash bar.

Also new for 2018 will be the Young Makers Area, with makers geared to inspire kids of all ages! This area will be comprised of makers who will teach children new skills and answer questions, as well as some of our youngest makers to show off what they have created.

The Faire will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, and Sunday, Aug. 19. Tickets are on sale at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com.

Maker Faire is looking for participants who enjoy tinkering, hacking, building and designing new technology-based inventions. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in the Maker Faire should complete the application at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com.

Spots are first come, first serve basis with openings inside and outside at the GRPM. Maker participation is free for those showcasing! Makers interested in selling products at their booth require a small commercial fee.

The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is being organized by a collaborative committee that includes members from: DTE Energy, The Geek Group, Great Lakes Makers Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Kent District Library, Kent Intermediate School District, Michigan Crossroads Council- Boy Scouts of America, WMCAT and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Follow the development of the Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR, as well as on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/makerfairegr/ .

Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc.

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By: Kate Moore

Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire announced today that the Call to Makers for the 3rd annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire has been an extended! Makers now have until Wednesday, August 10 to sign up to showcase what they have invented or are making. This year’s Maker Faire will be August 20 & 21 held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and nearby Grand Valley State University’s John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering.

Maker Faire is looking for participants who enjoy tinkering, hacking, building and designing new technology based inventions. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in the Maker Faire should complete the application at makerfairegr.com. Spots are first come, first serve basis with openings inside both the GRPM and GVSU as well as outside on the GRPM’s lawn. This year’s Maker Faire expects to see over 7,000 visitors throughout the two-day event.

Featuring both established and emerging local “makers,” the Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is a family-friendly celebration featuring tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students and commercial exhibitors. Visitors will see installations from local West Michigan inventors, innovators and tinkerer, as well as makers traveling greater distances to showcase.

The Faire will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 21. Tickets are available for purchase at makerfairegr.org with $2 off per ticket through Friday, August 12.

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is being organized by the GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Follow the development of the Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR, as well as on its Facebook page.