Makers, crafters, and performers from across the region will be on hand for what is being billed as the “Greatest Show & Tell on Earth” — the South Shore MiniMaker Faire. The event will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Charles R. Westcott Park in Michigan City. The free, family-friendly event will be open to the public from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The South Shore Mini Maker Faire takes after its enormous parent event, Maker Faire, which originated in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2006 as a project of the editors of Make: Magazine. Maker Faires have expanded into a global network of flagship and independently produced events celebrating innovation, creativity, and curiosity.
Among the established and emerging local “makers” scheduled for the South Shore Mini Maker Faire are JEM Custom Shoes, Michigan City Robotics, Pumpernickel Pewter, Art and Science Works, Ken-YOU-dama, the Rubber-Band Powered Car, Peddling with Solar Power, WELD LaPorte, Cardboard Automata, and Barker Middle School’s Water Bottle Rockets. They will be showcasing rockets and robots, DIY art and technology, alternative energy vehicles, unique craft and metalwork, and hobbies.
Individuals, businesses, or groups interested in being “makers” at this inaugural event should complete the online application at www.southshore.makerfaire.com or email southshoremaker@educateMC.net by June 14.
In addition, members of the public are invited to take part as “makers” through a Create a Musical Instrument opportunity. Simply create a musical instrument using items from your environment, such as recycled materials, things from nature, and basic crafting materials. You may work alone or with a family/group. No advance registration is required; just bring the instrument to share and demonstrate at 1:00 p.m. on the main stage.
Organizing Sponsors of the South Shore Mini Maker Faire include LaPorte County Career & Technical Education, in partnership with the Michigan City Mainstreet Association, the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City, La Porte County Public Library, Michigan City Public Library, Michigan City Boys and Girls Club, Safe Harbor, and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts.
Additional sponsors include Acme Communications (Master Maker), General Insurance and Performance Services (Craftsman), and WIMS Radio (Media Sponsor).