MIDDLEBURY — The Maker movement has gained a broad and enthusiastic following in the past few years. Just take a look online at Etsy or Pinterest. Now it is coming to Middlebury. The Hannaford Career Center will hold its first annual School Maker Faire on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 4-7 p.m., during the Career Center’s open house.
What is a Maker Faire? Makers — a DIY/ homegrown invention movement — get together to showcase their wares and the innovation that is happening in the Maker community. Addison County has no lack of these industrious and creative folks, and this is their first opportunity to get together and strut their stuff. Makers produce anything from home-built robots to handbags to musical instruments to sustainable mini-gardens.
At the Hannaford Career Center event, dozens of local makers will exhibit their creations, providing interactive projects that showcase the value and process of “making.” It is a great opportunity to see what they are up to and see the wide variety of creative energy going on in the county, including; vintage tech and gaming, design/architecture/engineering, robotics, hacker and Maker space, biotech/biochem, 3D printers, Tesla coils, miniature racing and boating, student projects/experiments, clothing/textile design and innovation, food and beverage makers, crafts, found objects, visual arts, performing arts, fire/water displays, unusual tools, kites, bicycles, HAM radio, drones, granite sculptures and blacksmithing.
Organizers encourage any interested Maker to join in the event and help celebrate the Maker community. More information is available by calling 802-989-1796, the Career Center office at 802-382-1012, or at thexfactoryvt.wixsite.com/careercenterfair.