Maker Faire: Facts And Figures

This Saturday’s Maker Faire promises to be the biggest yet.

It’s also one of the biggest in the world. Last year, Westport drew 10,500 attendees. That made the top 5% of all 772 Maker Faires on the planet.

This year’s attendance could break 12,000.

A few other facts:

• The physical footprint has tripled. Events and attractions are scheduled for the Westport Library, Jesup Green, Taylor parking lot, Bedford Square, Town Hall and Veterans Green.
• There are nearly 200 “makers” — double the previous number.
• 6 stages — up from only 1 in the past — will showcase talented people and organizations in the arts, sciences, music and politics.

Large attractions include:

• Truckers Alley: a collection of large vehicles with large ideas
• Tiny Homes Hamlet: a collection of tiny homes
• Tiny Farmers’ Market: a taste of upcoming farmers’ markets
• Medieval Village and Tavern: entertainment and local brews
• PlasmaBot: the world’s largest glass and plasma marionette
• Aviation: a half-sized model of Gustave Whitehead’s plane, plus drones and a panel
• Air Rocket Challenge: build cardboard rockets — and launch them
• CTNext Entrepreneurial Innovation Awards: for emerging businesses
• Game of Drones: an exhibition of drone skills in tight spaces
• Nerdy Derby: build, decorate and race cars
• Musicians: an orchestra, steel band, and Israeli music
• Artists: working in textiles, paint, recycled materials, even bones.

There’s much, much, much more, too. For details, click here.

(Photo/Lynn U. Miller)