By Bak Keung Ko
One weekend + unlimited fun = Maker Faire!
An annual partnership tradition at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, World Maker Faire New York debuted this weekend, Sept 21st to Sept 22nd, 2013. Thousands of visitors from all over came to participate in the family events, DIYs, maker workshops, shows, and panels! What’s their goal? To encourage and inspire the next generation to learn, create and innovate. Why? Because we’re all capable of accomplishing great feats if we put our minds to it!
So, what is the Maker Faire? Makers are current inventors who use science and technology to create innovative things such as a 3D printer. The Maker Faire provides a tech-inspired DIY platform for makers to display their inventions and talents to the community. Branded as the Maker movement, one can say that it is possibly the largest show and tell event on Earth. The festival travels all over the world, bringing fun new ideas and activities to worldwide communities.
This year’s faire incorporated many more maker tables than previous years, spanning from the edge of NYSCI’s parking lot to every corner of the halls of the museum itself. Attendees were able to solder their own LEDs, explore various science exhibits, watch a live giant mouse trap in action, 3D-print their own figure, watch magic by a Maker, and more. AsianInNY was honored to be invited to cover the event. To top it off, Asia Dog NYC was one of many cultural food vendors present at the faire! They represented the Asian community by serving hot dogs with Asian-inspired toppings.
The faire received well feedback from the crowd. When asked about his impression about the Maker Faire, Andres Schiffino said that “I’m amazed at how big this fair is. I didn’t expect it to be so huge. It’s amazing. The museum was organized well to have great innovative vendors and inventors, scientists and entertainers, and artists around every corner. I think it’s great.” When we asked Schiffino his overall favorite at the faire, he replied, “I’d say my favorite part really, is that, to me, it’s like a scientific woodstock. There’s a little bit of everything everywhere. It’s a big, big festival and everyone’s having fun and having a good time. My favorite part is really seeing everyone enjoying themselves and learning.” As we interviewed others, they also agreed that the faire was a great and fun experience, bringing family, friends and strangers alike for common fun.
Well, there you have it. World Maker Faire, every year, same time, same place in New York. If you missed it this year, stay tuned for next year. Until next time! For more information about World Maker Faire, visit www.makerfaire.org.
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