Maker Faire redux at Union Station
The eighth annual Maker Faire on June 23 and 24 is expected to break previous attendance records again. The two-day celebration of creativity, curiosity, innovation, invention and resourcefulness will take over Union Station, the event’s de facto home since 2011.
“It perfectly aligns with Union Station’s mission to celebrate community and science education,” says Margaret Hoang, Maker Faire Kansas City producer.
“Generous support” from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation makes possible the yearly celebration at Union Station, Hoang says.
Maker Faire will occupy the historic Grand Hall and Grand Plaza and the Haverty Family Yards, the new open-air festival plaza between Science City’s outdoor exhibits and the parking garage.
This year’s faire will consist of more than 350 maker booths showcasing DIY (do-it-yourself) demonstrations and exhibits that entertainingly explore and bring to life scientific concepts.
There’s still time for artisans, artists, budding entrepreneurs, craftsmen, inventors, science buffs and techies to reserve a 10-by-10-foot booth at no charge to showcase their work. Close of business, May 18 is the deadline for both nonprofit and commercial indie craft makers. Apply online at https://kansascity.makerfaire.com/application/.
“We’ve partnered with a local craft fair to bring in quite a range of craft makers and artisans,” Hoang says.
Companies that want to benefit from sponsorship have until June 23. Sponsorship information and applications are available online at http://kansascity.makerfaire.com/become-a-sponsor/.
Union Station is also recruiting volunteers to help stage Maker Faire. Hoang encourages early sign-ups, but she’ll welcome qualified volunteers up until the faire opens.
“We’re happy to have them,” she says. “Volunteers are an integral part. They help with almost every piece, such as assisting with stunt physics, helping guests learn to solder or climb scaffolding, or placing wrist bands.”
Last year, 160 volunteers logged 1,100 hours during Maker Faire. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Those between ages 13 and 16 must have a parent or guardian onsite. For more information and to apply online, go to http://kansascity.makerfaire.com/volunteer/. There are added perks for volunteering, including complimentary T-shirts, faire admission and parking.
Advance, discounted tickets are on sale now for the celebration of the Maker Movement. General-admission tickets include entry to Science City and the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.
“We encourage buying early bird tickets,” Hoang says.
Regular ticket pricing begins June 1. Tickets will be sold during Maker Faire. Union Station takes cash and credit or debit cards.
Food trucks and vendors will be onsite offering a smorgasbord of options to hungry visitors, who will be able to leave and return to the faire.
“Tickets are good for the entire day,” Hoang says.
Maker Faire runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.
Last year, 18,000 people from 33 states and two countries experienced the Maker Faire innovation celebration. Its popularity demonstrates the importance of the Maker Movement to Kansas City and the region.
“What starts as a cool, hands-on project at Maker Faire can become the foundation and catalyst for guests, young and old, to become entrepreneurs,” Hoang says. “It gives guests the opportunity and chance to start creating and to find new passions and resources, and so much more.”
