Launch a rocket, learn to knit, race a steam engine: Dayton's first Maker Faire

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED


Want to go?

WHAT: Dayton Mini Maker Faire

WHERE: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton

WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 16

COST: Free for Dayton History members, $8/adults, $7/seniors, $5/ages 3-17, ages 3 and under are free

INFO: (937) 293-2841 ext. 138 | https://makerfairedayton.com/author/makerfairedayton/

Calling all restless builders, thinkers, tinkerers, inventors and hobbyists: the first Inaugural Dayton Mini Maker Faire will amaze and engage.

There will be dozens of activities and demonstrations in robotics, blacksmithing, rocketry, sewing, steam engines and 3D printing.

“Makers are people who do woodworking in their garage, program and code on the weekends, knit and crochet, or even build robots or 3D printers for the fun of it,” said Emily Fehrman Cory, founder of Make It Dayton, who partnered with Carillon Historical Park for this event.

“If you’re interested in learning new skills, seeing cutting edge technology, joining a new club, picking up a hobby, or learning more about local history, this event is for you.”

What to expect
Dayton's inaugural Maker Faire is modeled after the original Bay Area Maker Faire. There will be over 50 exhibits throughout Carillon Park, indoor and outdoor.

Guests can view 3D printing demonstrations, solder electronics, launch a rocket, and test their strength against a steam engine. Professionals will compete to create a DIY project in the “Junkyard War.”

What you can look forward to:

-          Proto Buildbar and MCM Electronics will give 3D printer demonstrations in front of the Carillon Historical Park Print Shop.

-          A 90,000 square-foot model rocket will launch in front of the Deeds Carillon. Visitors can build and launch their own model rockets with help from expert rocketeers.

-          Attendees can test their strength against a custom made steam engine during the Man Versus Steam competition located in front of the Corliss steam engine building.

-          A custom built steam-powered bicycle and the Links and Kings bicycle shop will be near the Dayton Cyclery building.

-          Additional hands-on activities will be available for adults and children near the old schoolhouse and in the Pioneer Settlement.

"Dayton Mini Maker Faire is the only place in town where you'll be able to launch a rocket, learn to knit, and race a steam engine," said Josh Cory, a founding member of Make It Dayton.

Since this is the first Dayton Mini Maker Faire, Nan Whaley, Dayton mayor, and Brady Kress, president and CEO of Dayton History, will do a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. Over 1,500 people are expected to attend this year’s event.

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