Hello everyone,

Plans are underway for the next Wayne County Mini Maker Faire on Saturday, May 19th.  Be sure to mark your calendar to attend and especially to participate as a “maker”.  The Daily Record said it best: “Dubbed the ‘Greatest Show and Tell on Earth’, over 1,300 people flocked to the inaugural faire at the University of Akron Wayne College last year.

The Wayne County Mini Maker Faire is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker Movement.  It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning.  Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers. They are of all ages and backgrounds. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow this community.

The 2017 faire hosted 70 makers from all corners of the community, many of whom are coming back for the faire this May!  Click here to see all of the interesting and friendly folks who participated last year.  There truly is something for everyone.

 

Maker Faire Bay Area is one of the largest Maker Faires in the world!  Last year, 125,000 people from 50 states and 48 countries flocked to San Mateo where over 1,200 “makers” revealed their awe inspiring inventions.  It was three days of unforgettable experiences.  But don’t take my word for it, check-out these photos and videos from the event.  If you happen to be in California this summer, be sure to buy tickets today.

 

We are proud to showcase Ohio makers who participated in the Wayne County Mini Maker Faire last year.  One such person is Robin Wisner from the Smithville Historical Society.  She works at the Mischler Weaving Mill.  In the mill, they have hand looms and power looms from the early 1900’s, making rag rugs, dishcloths, and dish towels.

At the 2017 faire, the group brought a small floor loom for demonstration.  Participants saw hand weaving in action, asked question, and could see & touch the various products of the looms.

In addition to the weaving mill, the Historical Society runs a pioneer village with working tinsmiths, potters, and blacksmiths.  Their products were available for participants to see and enjoy.

 

Rounding out our makers who participated is Dick Radosevic from Canton, Ohio.  At his exhibit, Dick brought various sizes and uses of solar panels for residential, commercial, and electric vehicle applications, perfect for renewable energy and sustainability.

Dick brought a trailer with 8 PV panels, and Chevy Volt electric vehicle to demonstrates the size of a Solar PV system to provide a 10,000 mile capability, a small fuel cell for a water cycle demo, a small, sun driven Sterling engine (3D printed), and charts describing how various renewable energy systems work and how to size them.

 

If you would like to know more about the Smithville Historical Society or Dick’s renewable energy ideas, please reply to this email!

 

Check out the video above; plans are underway for the 2018 Wayne County Mini Maker Faire!  Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 19, 2018 for an unforgettable experience.  The event is free to attend and participate.  To be a maker at the faire, be sure to signup here.  We’d love to have you and participation is free.  The signup deadline is April 1st; reserve your space today!  Thanks and we look forward to you joining us in 2018!

Until next week,

Tom