This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
Imagination and innovation are set to take center stage this fall as the Happy Valley Maker Faire makes its much-anticipated debut in Centre County.
Hosted by Discovery Space and The Rivet at Axemann Brewery, the event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21, offering two days of hands-on experiences, eye-opening inventions and a chance for people of all ages to discover the joy of making.
Billed globally as “The Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth,” the Maker Faire brand celebrates the ingenuity of tinkerers, coders, welders, woodworkers, crafters, tech lovers and creatives of all types. For Michele Crowl, a member of the organizing committee and a leader at Discovery Space, launching a Centre County version was a natural next step.
“The idea for launching Happy Valley’s first official Maker Faire came from a desire to celebrate the incredible creativity, curiosity and hands-on spirit that already exists in our region but that doesn’t always have a big public platform,” Crowl said.
“Whether it’s elementary and middle school students learning science and engineering in our hands-on STEM programs, or adults and teens using welding equipment, 3D printers or woodworking tools at The Rivet, our goal is always the same: to empower people to create, solve problems and explore new ideas.”
The event builds on a legacy that started nearly a decade ago when Discovery Space teamed up with Schlow Library and local partners for a smaller maker-themed gathering in downtown State College. This year’s Faire promises to be bigger, bolder and bursting with interactive opportunities for all ages.
While the full list of featured makers and demonstrations is still coming together, organizers have already confirmed crowd-pleasing highlights, including a soldering station, upcycled fashion activities and a combat robot competition led by the Centre County 4-H Robotics Team.
“We know our community is full of crafters, inventors, tech hobbyists and DIYers of all kinds,” Alice Wilson, a member of the planning team, said. “We want to put a spotlight on all of this ingenuity and innovation, so our big push right now is our call out to makers and vendors to join us to show off your creations.”
Workshops will offer attendees a chance to get hands-on, whether it’s learning to solder, experimenting with new gadgets or battling bots in the arena. For those simply looking to browse, exhibits will showcase local inventions, handcrafted products and imaginative creations that blend science, art and technology.
And with Axemann Brewery as the scenic backdrop, the Faire offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
“Bring the whole family and stop by for an hour or four,” Crowl said.
A shuttle will run from noon to 4 p.m. both days of the event, stopping at the MLK Plaza in downtown State College, the Benner Pike Walmart and Axemann. The brewery and on-site vendors Flo Bros. Pizza and Marin Eats will have craft beers and food for purchase.
The event is fueled in part by local support. Avail Technologies, a State College-based company providing public transit solutions, stepped up with early funding to help license the Maker Faire name and launch the event website.
Penn State’s Sven Bilen and his team are contributing their time and expertise to help lead the soldering station. Meanwhile, The Rivet is opening its doors to offer classes for anyone interested in building their own combat robot.
Activities will include learning to solder and wire your own light-up badge, screen printing T-shirts and posters, science and tech games and train rides from the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society, among others.
Organizers say the event is designed to grow organically, with new partnerships, sponsors and makers being welcomed every day.
“This is our first year, so we aren’t sure what to expect,” Crowl said. “We are excited by the fact that this can be an organically grown event by involving local or non-local makers who are excited to bring something so fun to central Pennsylvania”
“We know there are a lot of kids and adults who love 3D printing or who make a unique craft or product that blends art and technology or uses technology in innovative ways,” Crowl said. “We encourage all of those people to reach out, get involved, let us know what you would love to help us do and help us create a really unique event.”
Interested makers, vendors or sponsors are encouraged to visit happyvalley.makerfaire.com to apply, learn more or get involved. Applications for exhibitors are open through Aug. 17. The team is also seeking volunteers and fresh ideas for workshops, competitions and interactive displays.
StateCollege.com’s Geoff Rushton contributed to this report.
