Burlington's First Ever Maker Faire to Highlight Local Creativity, Science, Technology, Art and Culture

BURLINGTON, NC, April 04, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Maker Faire is coming to Burlington! The first ever Burlington Mini Maker Faire is being held Saturday April 28 at the Holly Hill Mall and Business Center in Burlington NC. Scheduled from 10:00am till 9:00pm, admission is open to all and free.

The Maker movement attracts inventors, artists, craftspeople, fabricators, artisans and anyone who enjoys hands-on creativity. Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs, students, authors, and commercial exhibitors. They are of all ages and backgrounds. The event in Burlington will be an eclectic mash-up of techno-scientific artistry, gadget-crafting and hands-on demos and activities.

Ben Harris, a local inventor and founder of Harris Educational, a manufacturer of hands-on science kits, leads this exciting initiative. Harris was inspired while exhibiting his company's products at Maker Faire 2011 in California. "My eyes were opened to the many creative and educational possibilities of the Maker Movement," says Harris. Harris's enthusiasm for the Maker Faire is infectious. "If you've ever wanted to just invent something, anything, the Maker Faire is a place where you can start to realize your dream. Come and be impressed, inspired, and motivated by the Makers' creativity, imagination and even eccentricity!" he says.

The Burlington event is peppered with a variety of intriguing events and exhibits. Harris encourages folks to check out the home made 4-foot tall Tesla coil, "To see spectacular sparks," he says. A retro computer project and games on display will take older visitors back to the early days of home computing. Other activities and demonstrations included crocheting using recycled bags, an interactive mural and art display, wood-turning, 3-D printing, and steampunk art, props, weapons and costumes.

Visitors can register at the Faire's website for free tickets and enter into a drawing for prizes made by makers and donated by sponsors. Although space is limited, Harris is also calling for more Makers to participate. "Makers have just as much fun as visitors," he says. Prospective Makers are invited to contact Harris before April 15 to add their own projects to the Faire.

Why a Maker Faire? Why now? Harris is perfectly clear: "Maker Faire represents the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship that we need to inspire kids and work our way out of bad economic times, how can I not bring that to central North Carolina?"

About Maker Faire:
Burlington Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from O'Reilly Media, Inc. Burlington Mini Maker Faire is an official event of the North Carolina Science Festival, a statewide event celebrating science and engineering in fun and welcoming settings. Burlington Mini Maker Faire is a production of Harris Educational, sponsor of the Alamance Makers Guild.


Contact:
Ben Harris, Harris Educational
336-506-6696
info@makerfaireburlington.com
http://www.makerfaireburlington.com

Images, logos, and flyers available at the website (see the "Media" tab)