A maker is “a person that makes or produces something.” The Mini Maker Faire will showcase a diverse mix of Makers at the event, ranging from tech enthusiasts to crafters, homesteaders to scientists and garage tinkerers to kids who design and build interesting items. The Buffalo Mini Maker Faire brings together local and national makers in a fun, energized and exciting public forum.

Buffalo Mini Maker Faire will feature local Makers along with a select few from Pittsburgh, Michigan and Pennsylvania. A select sixty-four makers will be present at the event out of the ninety-plus applicants.  Featured Makers at the Buffalo Mini Maker Faire include: 

- Lake Shore High School 22’ Dragon: A group of art students from Lake Shore High School will show off their incredible 22’ dragon that was constructed for their musical production of “Shrek.” Students used plastic tubing, chicken wire, bubble wrap and paint to complete the enormous movable creature.

- Mindcub3r (The Robot that Solves a Rubik’s Cube!): For guests that have ever struggled with solving those last pesky blocks in a Rubik’s Cube, Mindcub3r is a must-see. Ethan Patterson, age 11, built a robot that solves a Rubik's Cube. He first built the robot using the Lego MindStorm EV3 Robotics Kit.  After the robot was built, he then downloaded and installed the program to "code" the robot.

- Lego Bots: Does your future scientist love robots? Let them have their try at designing and building code to program complex autonomous robots, kinetic sculptures, machines and Lego Robots.

- iDESIGN Solutions - 3D Printing and VEX Robotics:  3D Printer technology is no longer the next “big thing” – the future is here! Join in the fun with iDESIGN Solutions and learn how to design your own 3D project. Guests will also have the chance to operate a VEX IQ robot on the Bank Shot Challenge field. Your robot enthusiast will enjoy the Bank Shot Field and competing with their robot to score points with their VEX IQ teammate.

- The Great American Horn Machine: Guests will have their chance to marvel at The Great American Horn Machine, the world’s loudest mobile musical instrument. The Great American Horn Machine is a three-ton collection of MIDI-controlled truck, train and ship air horns and steam whistles – all mounted on a tandem-axle car trailer. You may have never heard of MIDI (musical instrument digital interface), but you’ve definitely heard it in action. We’ve secured the noise ordinance variance – you have to hear it to believe it!

- Found Material Mountain Banjos: When it comes to noise of a lower decibel, attendees will enjoy the Found Material Mountain Banjo maker. Proprietor Fred Brown, is a maker of five-string banjos in the old-time tradition, manufacturing as many of the parts as possible himself. He uses almost entirely found wood from discarded scraps or old furniture. He also modifies factory banjos.

- The Stitching Sisters: Put those leftover grocery and retail store plastic bags to a new use. The Stitching Sisters from North Tonawanda will facilitate hands-on learning activities including how to make your own “plarn” (plastic yarn) out of old plastic bags. Whether it’s felting, crocheting or spinning, visitors will enjoy demonstrations of each craft.

- Lockport Woodworking: Your future engineer will be amazed by the Lockport Woodworking “Marble Machine” and other interactive projects hand made by club members. How does that small crank push marbles through a maze of twists and turns? Experience the design behind it!

- Emerging Kindsight: Christine and Paul Gallo simplify life one design at a time. Using reclaimed materials like leather, car parts, vintage clothing hardware and much more, this Maker team creates functional and beautiful objects for everyday living. Emerging Kindsight has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an interesting bracelet or a new sculpture to brighten up any space.

- Windmill Dentist: Who knew that going to the Dentist could be so fun! Dr. Mark’s whirligigs are animated by a foot powered inflation pump, encouraging positive interaction between dental care providers and their patients. Guests can interactively animate the whirligig through a network of vinyl tubing which delivers compressed air. Dr. Mark’s unique whirligig designs are geared for individual practice characteristics including pediatrics, orthodontics and oral surgery.

In addition to the Maker show and tell, the Buffalo Museum of Science presents “Learn to Solder” workshop, where visitors will solder together materials and create their own light up badge. The cost for the soldering workshop is $7 ($5 for members), includes all directions and materials. Guests can also make a leather tooled bracelet for $7 ($5 for members) or their very own take-home sock puppet (free activity).

The Official Museum of Science RC Car Demolition Derby will take place throughout the day. Radio Shack will partner with the Museum, providing batteries to keep the RC Cars and Demo Derby throughout Maker Faire. Fine Art Miracles with partner with the Museum for “Make a Box Bot.” Guests will make their own take-home, non-mobile Box Bot using hot glue guns, spray paint, boxes, buttons, caps, metal pieces and other upcycled materials. Sunnking will sponsor a Take-It-Apart workshop where guests will enjoy a unique look at the parts and pieces that make up every-day electronic equipment. Sunnking specializes in dismantling, sorting, refurbishing and reselling electronics and equipment.

Admission to the Buffalo Museum of Science is $11.00 for Adults ages 18-61, $9.00 for Seniors ages 62+, $9.00 for Military & Student, $8.00 for Children 2-17, free for Children Under 2 and free for Museum Members. Admission can be purchased at the door or online in advance at www.makerfairebuffalo.com.