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)