The second annual Buffalo Mini Maker Faire (BMMF) is slated to be held at the Buffalo Museum of Science on Saturday, June 6, 2015 (10:00am to 4:00pm). The event showcases a wide variety of “makers” in Buffalo – people who build, craft and assemble the most remarkable products. From gadgetry to knittings, the DIY community in Buffalo is strong, and getting stronger thanks to events such as this that showcase the people who are building up this city in brilliant and creative ways.
“We aim to offer a wide range of Makers,” commented Doug Borzynski, Facilitator of Learning for the Museum and lead organizer of the event. “We will also be expanding outdoors this year [weather permitting], indicative of the growth we’ve seen since the inaugural event.”
This year, the museum anticipates on attracting 3000 people to the faire, but also expects that number to grow significantly over the next few years. In order to attract even more visitors, this year the museum is adding another aspect to the event. An evening affair for adults, called Make It Social, will add another dynamic to the faire. Attendees to BMMF will be invited to come back to socialize after the event, in order to learn more about various makers. 30+ of the 50 makers will be showcased at the social, which will take place between 6pm and 9pm that same evening.
Some of the featured Makers include:
- Buffalo Lab Learn to Solder Workshop: Learn to solder like a pro, a key skill for making electronic circuits, robots, jewelry and many other cool projects. After learning the basics of using a soldering iron, build a simple electronic badge to wear around the Buffalo Mini Maker Faire. Additional fees apply for soldering kit.
- Battle Bots*: Observe two 120-lb combat robots that went to battle at Robogames 2015 in San Mateo, CA.
- Chainmail: Learn how the medieval art of chainmail can be used to make jewelry, and try your hand at making your own chainmail.
- 3D Printers: A variety of 3D printing groups will feature different types of 3D printers that work with different materials and colors
- The Buffalo Knitting Guild: Featuring hand knit items and demonstrations of different knitting techniques, and even yarn spinning. Guests can help complete squares for a charity blanket to be donated to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
- Magnetic Bowling: Explore magnetism through slow motion videos and try your hand at an in-home bowling game using magnetic spheres.
*Activity available during Buffalo Mini Maker Faire hours only, and will not be offered at Make It Social.
During the day, the maker’s faire will also feature a number of younger Buffalo groups, as they demonstrate what it takes to create impressive contraptions out of everyday items:
-Pembroke Junior/Senior High School who will demonstrate how to turn a smart phone into a microscope
-Williamsville South Science Club who will lead guests in building an air-powered rocket out of a piece of paper and PVC
Admission to Buffalo Mini Maker Faire is included with general museum admission ($10 adults, $8 children 2-17) and free for BMS members. Admission can be purchased at the door or online in advance at www.sciencebuff.org (online tickets are limited to the first 1,500 tickets sold).
Admission to Make It Social is $10 for BMS members, $20 for non-members, and includes “making” activities, access to all of the Museum’s permanent exhibits and galleries, a cash bar (beer and wine), and food for sale. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sciencebuff.org. Limited availability, tickets may not be available at the door.
Buffalo Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc.
Buffalo Museum of Science | 1020 Humboldt Parkway | Buffalo NY