The Maker Faire Wayne County 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 Daily Record said it best: “Dubbed the ‘Greatest Show and Tell on Earth’; over 1,200 people flocked to the third annual faire at the University of Akron Wayne College last May. It was a fresh experience with favorite makers from last year along with new makers and new things to see and do.
Eindhoven Maker Faire brought together over 250 makers and 15,000 attendees for the largest festival of its kind in the Netherlands. The weekend was full of celebration, innovation, amusement, and discovery. While weaving around the thoughtfully curated layout of makers, discovery was at every turn. From a robot potter, hangable and touchable 3D Printers, to forging, steampunk, and augmented reality, Maker Faire Eindhoven was pulsing with art and innovation.
We are proud to showcase Ohio makers participating in Maker Faire Wayne County. One of these people is Elia Meltzer. She established Alaina Accessories LLC that works with indigenous artists in North America to provide a wide range of authentic and unique wearable art. Her company provides high quality products that showcase the diversity of indigenous craftsmanship.
At Maker Faire Wayne County last May, Alaina brought authentic Native American art, jewelry, and accessories made by Native American artists from around the country. From dream catchers to bone carvings, from necklaces to key chains, she displayed a variety of products. Faire attendees learned about the symbolism and traditions of the Native peoples and also the hardships that Native Americans face.
Another group that participated in Maker Faire Wayne County are students from the Exercise Science program led by Dr. John Roncone, Associate Professor of Sports Science and Wellness Education. This was third consecutive year of the Fun Fitness Obstacle Course! This playful, competitive fitness course was outside and for children through adult years. The course included hurdles, hoops, boxes, platforms/risers, stability ball, cones, and other fun fitness equipment to challenge its participants.
During the course, each participant was timed (or by request, not timed) to see whom will hold the best time of the day! All makers need a sound mind and body, so the Fun Fitness Obstacle Course was to release energy and build muscles at the faire. Good job, John and students!
Rounding out our participating makers are the Wood Bee Woodcarvers. They are one of the oldest clubs associated with The Wilderness Center. The club has been in existence for more than 25 years and includes carvers from Stark, Wayne, Tuscarawas, and Holmes counties.
At the Maker Faire last year, TWC members showed proper carving techniques and various types of carving and wood used. Recent club projects included Noah’s Ark with 30 hand carved animals and a carousel rocking horse mounted on rockers for kids to ride. This hand carved horse will be a family heirloom. Want to know more? Visit their website.