Giant robots, circus acts and even a life-size version of the “Mouse Trap” board game are headed for Queens this weekend.
The Fourth Annual World Maker Faire, featuring more than 650 do-it-yourself presenters, vendors and demos, is expected to draw about 70,000 people to the New York Hall of Science.
“It’s something you can participate in rather than just go see,” said Maker Media spokeswoman Bridgette Vanderlaan. “Anyone can go buy something. Here you can make something unique.”
Favorites from last year include a Nerdy Derby, where kids build and race cars outfitted with high-tech touches such as LED lights and put together robots. The event will also include a 3D printing demonstrations.
“When you spend time using your hands, you learn so much much,” Vanderlaan said.
In addition, attendees can take an array of workshops on how to weld, knit and pick locks — or shop about 60 artisans in the BUST Magazine Craftacular.
First-time maker and musician Eric Farber said he’s excited to display his percussion instruments hand-crafted from an old tractor seat, meat grinder and film reels suspended from chains.
“I’ve been building stuff for a long time,” said Farber, 33, of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, whose band Batterie-en-Valise will perform with the creations. “I wanted to find a way to share them.”
The Maker Faire will also feature aerial acrobatic performances from the Circus Warehouse in Long Island City.
“It gives children a chance to see what is possible for them to make with their own bodies,” said Suzi Winson, director of the circus arts training school.
The DIY movement, the ethos that inspired and fuels the Faire, shows no signs of slowing down.
“It can be a relief valve to go somewhere and make something with your hands,” said Jen Messier, co-founder of the Brooklyn Brainery, which offers hands-on classes in Prospect Heights. “When you’re sitting at a computer it can be nice to the opposite for a few hours at night.”
She’s found that folks like to dabble in a variety of hobbies — such as home canning, tie-dye and block carving.
“There’s a sort of desire to make things and learn how make things,” Messier said. “It’s empowering to be able to make something you would normally have to buy at a store.”
World Maker Faire, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St. in Corona, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For info, visit makerfaire.com
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