What is Maker Faire?
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments, projects.
We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth - a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Glimpse the future and get inspired!
About Our Maker Faire
The Champlain Mini Maker Faire was first conceived over a lunch meeting convened by Doug Webster of Charlotte, Vermont Agency of Education and president of the National Association for Workforce Improvement. Attendees included John Abele, co-founder of Boston Scientific, Bruce Seifer, Burlington CEDO and author of the book Building Sustainable Communities, Pat Burke, principal South Burlington High School, Will Rapp, founder Gardener’s Supply, John Canning, PCC and Vermont Technology Alliance, Paul Zaloom, Nickelodeon’s Beakman’s World, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founders of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. The group explored the notion of creating a makerspace/innovation space and helping schools, libraries, colleges and museums to include making, innovation and creativity utilizing both old and emerging technologies. Consequently, the ultimate community convening was born: the Champlain Maker Faire held September 29 at Shelburne Farms Coach Barn.
Maker Faire originated in 2006 in the San Francisco Bay Area as a project of the editors of Make: magazine. It has since grown into a significant worldwide network of both flagship and independently-produced events. Read more on Maker Faire history, the Maker Movement, as well as how to start a Maker Faire or a School Maker Faire where you live.
What are the characteristics we are looking for in Maker projects?
- Non-commercial Maker Projects: A do-it-yourself project that is unique, inspiring and engaging. Extra points if your project interacts with observers and attendees. It might tell a story, be a piece of art, or be a tool or project that does something different, that most attendees have never seen before. It might do something better or cheaper than has ever been done before. Your project might be a “mash up” that repurposes existing technologies and materials in an “ah hah!” way, like an underwater bicycle. You should be present to demonstrate your project, answer questions, and point energized attendees at both local and global educational and material resources. All indoor Maker Demo Spaces are 10′ x 10′, but larger projects can be accommodated in tents outside. Projects that employ heat, fire, water, etc. can be accommodated in outside tents.
- Commercial Participants: Commercial booths are available for businesses with Maker-related products to sell. If you sell 3D printers, Arduinos, or other materials or services, please sign up! Our attendees will be energized, and looking for ways to realize their new found interests! If you have products that you wish to donate for use as door prizes, please let us know!
- Events: Projects that are performance events will be scheduled throughout the day: let us know what you want to do!
- Talks: Do you wish to give a 30 or 45 minute talk about your project or Maker experience, where people can sit and listen to you?
- Workshops: Do you want to give an hour-long workshop where people can participate in your project or technology?
CMF Partners
John Abele – Boston Scientific
David Bradbury – UVM, VCET
Pat Burke – South Burlington High School
John Canning – PCC
Curt Carter – Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation
John Cohn – IBM
Ara Hagan – Hagan Associates
Cairn Cross – Fresh Tracks
Cynthia Day
Doug Dickey- UVM Engineering
David Finney – Champlain College
Karen Freeman – Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
Phelan Fretz – ECHO
Dom Grasso – UVM
Jenn Karson – UVM CEMS
Linda Kelliher – KSV Communications
Spencer Knapp – Fletcher Allen
Steve Mermelstein – Vermont Drone
Brian Merrill – Talon Flutes
Ken Merritt – Vermont Venture Network
Melinda Moulton – Main Street Landing
Angelo Pizzagalli – Pizzagalli Partners
Cathy Resmer – Seven Days
SciTech4Kids
Deborah Sigel
Vermont Makers
Vermont Technology Alliance