Calling all thinkers, creators and curious types: The Big Muddy Mini Maker Faire returns to northwest Missouri on Saturday, March 2, 2019. This week we raise our mugs to this gathering of creatives and honor the event’s continued success.
What is a maker fair, anyway? The event, part of the global Maker Faire® events, is like a science fair and a technology/creative gathering, with a little bit of county fair mixed in. It’s coordinated by the Heartland Foundation as part of an emphasis on bringing STEAM activities to area students, educators, engineers and community members.
At the Big Muddy Mini Maker Faire, hobbyists, tinkerers and learners of all ages will take part in exhibits or showcase their own ideas. Set in the historic and rustic 1850s Restoration Church building in downtown St. Joseph, the atmosphere lends itself to a great deal of outside-the-box thinking and lively conversation.
As an annual event, the Maker Faire in St. Joseph succeeds at expanding its audience of exhibitors and attendees with just the right mix of venue, atmosphere and ingenuity. Social media and web platforms help share the story, featuring several pictures from previous events.
There’s plenty of excitement going on throughout the day, like such as an observation beehive a seven-foot tall human-powered hamster wheel and live music, but there’s also plenty of learning behind the scenes. Each activity is designed to promote a focus on learning across the science, math and technology fields — and to further cultivate students’ interest in these careers. Local exhibitors add an extra element of authenticity and community, enthusiastically answering question after question as they demonstrate their talents. Exhibits can include student-created projects, robotics, drones, creative kits, sustainable projects, textiles, RC toys and rockets, electronics and unusual-scale items. For starters.
Now in its second year, the Big Muddy Mini Maker Faire includes an artistic side, too. Local musicians the Sasperilla Sisters will perform, and exhibits will include colorful and creative materials, such as woodworking and pottery. The organizers, part of a local volunteer committee, promise “surprises and intrigue at every corner.”
The Big Muddy Mini Maker Faire is all about getting your hands (and sometimes your feet) involved in science, technology and the arts — alongside a dedicated and clever group of fellow community members. Let’s all raise our coffee mugs to that.
Mark your calendars and learn about ticket purchases today at https://thebigmuddy.makerfaire.com/.