Maker Faire this weekend
Maker Faire Kansas City is back this weekend for its ninth year, once again taking over the venerable Union Station. The indoor and outdoor extravaganza of activities, demonstrations, exhibits and installations opens at 10 a.m. June 22 and runs through 5:30 p.m. June 23, rain or shine.
“It’s more than just a craft event; it shows the diverse talent of our community,” says Margaret Hoang, Maker Faire Kansas City producer. “It’s a fun, educational process you really don’t get at other events.”
Maker Faire will occupy the historic Grand Hall, Grand Plaza and Science City on the main level and the Haverty Family Yards, the open-air festival plaza on level B. All areas are accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, walkers and canes and parents with strollers.
“It’s such a great atmosphere and community event,” Hoang says.
This year’s celebration of creativity, curiosity, innovation, invention and resourcefulness will consist of 300-plus maker booths showcasing DIY (do-it-yourself) demonstrations and exhibits. Badge Pirates will make its Maker Faire debut, and among various returning makers are Kansas City R2 Builders Group, Moldable Chocolate and Power Racers. The two-day family-friendly event features makers and vendors entertainingly exploring scientific concepts and processes.
“There’s a great diversity of vendors offering a good variety, such as sugar scrubs, clay, candles, leatherworks and more,” Hoang says. “Some show and demonstrate and sell their products, some just sell.”
The deadline has passed for vendor and maker booths, but “there are still opportunities for sponsorship, and volunteers are still able to sign up,” Hoang says.
Sponsorship and volunteer information and applications are available online at https://kansascity.makerfaire.com/become-a-sponsor/ and https://kansascity.makerfaire.com/volunteer/, respectively.
Among perks for volunteers are complimentary T-shirts, faire admission and parking and a special Maker Faireteam gift. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Those between ages 13 and 16 must have a parent or guardian onsite.
Whatever a volunteer’s interests, there are opportunities for her/him to participate, Hoang says. It could be anything from greeting visitors to helping guests learn to solder in Science City.
Last year, 184 “dedicated” volunteers logged 1,006 hours during Maker Faire.
“It’s an event we can’t do without community help,” Hoang says. “It wouldn’t be possible without the sponsors and our volunteers and our very talented vendors.”
Fairgoers are in for a special treat above and beyond enjoying the Maker Faire activities and attractions. On display in the Haverty Family Yards is artist Patrick Shearn’s ethereal creation, Reflecting Motion. The 12,000 square-foot art installation of 78,000-plus shimmering holographic streamers is there through Sept. 1.
The Maker Faire is open 10 am-6 pm on Saturday and 10 am-5 pm Sunday. Tickets cost $11-$85 and are available now online at https://kansascity.makerfaire.com/tickets/ or in person at the event with cash or credit or debit card. Visitors will be able to leave and return to the Faire; tickets are good for the entire day. Admission includes entry to Science City and the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.
Last year, 16,000 people from 24 states experienced Kansas City Maker Faire.
“It’s an event for all ages,” Hoang says. “Everyone can attend and celebrate and really get something out of it.”
