Rutland Maker Faire Announced
Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) has announced plans for a Rutland Maker Faire, to be held on Saturday July 30, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m during the annual Sidewalk Sale Days in Downtown Rutland, Vermont. Organizers are looking for exhibitors to register for the Maker Faire at www.rutlandmakerfaire.com.
“The Maker Faire will be a celebration of the talent, creativity and entrepreneurial energy of Rutland’s inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs," Executive Director Lyle Jepson said. “Last year we had dozens of exhibitors with interactive displays that allowed kids, parents, and other makers a peek into how they go about creating beautiful and useful products. We expect even more of that this year."
Casella Resource Solutions and Green Mountain Power (GMP) are the lead sponsors of the event, which is free to both exhibitors and attendees. “We are so pleased to have Casella and GMP powering this event. Both companies are leaders and innovators in their industries, and they have shown that creative problem-solving can be the basis of profitable business development. That’s exactly the entrepreneurial spirit and energy we hope to foster through this event."
Other event sponsors include REDC, Castleton University, Downtown Rutland Partnership, MKF Properties, Rutland Area Robotics, and Rutland Redevelopment Authority.
The Call for Makers is open until June 15, 2016. The space can handle about 30 exhibitors, and makers should apply early at www.rutlandmakerfaire.com. For more information or questions, call (802) 578-7738 or email [email protected].
“A Maker Faire is different from what you might see at a craft fair or market because it is not about selling - it is about showcasing interactive, engaging and educational demonstrations,” Jepson said. “You’ll see people there making jewelry, designing robots, using 3-D printers, showing off student projects, and much more."
Maker Faire organizers say the Rutland region is home to a thriving community of makers of all ages. Last year’s Maker Faire brought together a group of volunteers who are working to create a year-round Maker Space that would provide access to workspace, shared tools and equipment, classes, and mentoring for makers looking to start a business. Anyone interested can learn more at www.rutlandmakerfaire.com.
Downtown Rutland Partnership Executive Director Mike Coppinger said the Maker Faire and Sidewalk Sale Days is likely to be the biggest event downtown this summer.
“Downtown Rutland is the perfect spot for the Maker Faire,” Downtown Rutland Partnership director Mike Coppinger said. “We are combining it with day two of our Sidewalk Sales Days, when we block off Center Street and Merchants Row for two days, and fill it with affordable shopping, outdoor dining, live music and entertainment, and tons of activities for kids."
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