Flathead Valley Community College’s Entrepreneurship Center and ImagineIF Libraries have joined forces to bring Montana its first Maker Faire on Feb. 22. The Kalispell Mini Maker Faire will feature more than 30 innovative exhibits, many of which will include hands-on activities for the public to explore and enjoy.
Maker Faire is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. During the event, exhibitors will showcase their inventions and share what they learned in the process.
Are you curious about the life cycle of bees and the many uses of honey? Interested in seeing a 3D printer in action? Want to learn how to tie durable cordage from dried grass, give new life to a used household container or make your own hand drum? The Kalispell Mini Maker Faire will provide information on these topics and much more.
In addition, ImagineIF Libraries will teach kids how to make a flying machine, Warren Lane will show attendees how to repurpose an old snowboard into a “junk board,” and Gordon Sheldon will demonstrate how to operate a robot by moving blocks around on a computer screen.
Along with the exhibits by local makers, the Kalispell Mini Maker Faire will feature the following five informative presentations throughout the day:
10:15 a.m.: “3D Printing: Imagine It… You Can Make It!” presented by Bill Nicholson of inDimension3
11:00 a.m.: “The Perfect Brew” presented by Karen Witt of the Flathead Valley Homebrewers Association
11:45 a.m.: “Holistic Living: Sustainability through Permaculture” presented by permaculturist Kelly Ware
12:45 p.m.: “It’s Magic: Producing Energy from Waste” presented by Robin Kelson of Algae AquaCulture Technology
1:30 p.m.: “How to ‘Make’ a Great Story” by author and storyteller Roland Cheek
The Kalispell Mini Maker Faire is a free event scheduled for Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in FVCC’s Arts and Technology Building.
For more information about the Kalispell Mini Maker Faire, visit the website or contact FVCC Entrepreneurship Coordinator Jill Seigmund at (406) 756-3834.