Maker Faire at Union Station

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Maker Faire at Union Station June 27 & 28, 2015

For the uninitiated, the “maker movement” is a celebration of things people have created and made themselves. With an explosion of creativity, this enriching movement inspires people to create anything and everything from “new technology and electronic gizmos to urban farming and ‘slow-made’ foods to homemade clothes, quilts and sculptures.”

Scientists, inventors, artisans and farmers come together one weekend a year at Kansas City’s Maker Faire to exhibit and demonstrate their creations. So, what is it like to visit Maker Faire and what should families expect?

As at most fairs, booths offer exhibits to see and explore, as well as products for sale. At one booth you might see robotics in action, while another displays an urban farming demonstration, and yet others sell locally made clothing or crafts. Throughout the day, experience presentations and demonstrations on a variety of topics including rockets, Tesla coils, Arduino, woodworking, a delicious array of artisan foods, modern arts and many homemade products.

Maker Faire has been called “the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth,” as inventors, creators and artists come together to celebrate imagination, ingenuity and design. With 200+ makers at the Kansas City fair, this event is educational, entertaining and engaging. There is truly nothing like it. Families learn from the makers themselves to better understand how and why things work. Children dive in to hands-on exhibits, creating their own works of art and participating in science experiments. And, hopefully, the entire family will be inspired to make.

Tips for families:

• Union Station members receive discounted admission.
• There are more than 200 booths and exhibits to see, as well as performances, demonstrations and hands-on activities. You can easily spend all weekend at this event, but be sure to plan on four hours or more.
• Bring some spending money. Many makers are selling products from delicious food, to beautiful works of art, to local inventions. You will also be able to collect business cards and websites for future purchases and inspiration.
• Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be on your feet all day.
• There is food for sale at this event; plan on lunch or dinner.
• Maker Faire is popular! It is crowded and it can get loud. Keep this in mind for children and be sure to take advantage of Science City and the outdoor activities at the fair to break up the experience.
• Visit the Maker Faire website (MakerFaireKC.com) to learn about the makers before your visit to make certain you see those who interest you most!
• This is an excellent outing for Scout troops, robotics teams, Lego teams, arts and crafts clubs and other creative clubs and groups. It’s sure to get your creative juices flowing!