Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire

The 2014 Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire will be held September 13 and 14 at Union Terminal

Power tool drag racing, a video game drum set that triggers real fireballs, a concert of “chip-tuned” Gameboys, a giant robotic globe, and a 20-foot people-powered whale shark. These are all attractions that were seen at Cincinnati’s first Mini Maker Faire.

According to Jason Langdon, founder of the Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire, the faire was created last year to bring together the varied maker community in Cincinnati. The event is a scaled down version of the unbelievable full-size maker faires like the original in San Mateo, California, which occurred this past weekend featuring over 900 makers.

“At Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire, you will be surprised at every turn as you witness fire sculptures, robots, interactive workshops and performance art,” says Langdon. “In addition, you will find unique handmade items available for purchase directly from the makers themselves.”

Last year, retail vendors included jewelry featuring homegrown crystals by We Grow Crystals, soft creations from Plush Team, upcycled jewelry from Lily in Flux, metal work from Oberaw Industries and many more. A full list of makers can be viewed here.

This year’s event will be held at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal on September 13 and 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Vendor marketplace at Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire will be curated by Crafty Supermarket and is open to people who are making things by hand. Crafty Supermarket will be curating the handmade marketplace at CMMF, but they welcome applications from people who would like to both exhibit something and sell something.

“Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire goes beyond art, craft and retail to encompass science, engineering, invention, fantasy and performance,” says Langdon. “In addition to many of our amazing makers from last year, this year we’ll have new surprises and jaw-dropping experiences.”

Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire is now accepting applications from engineers, artists, techies, tinkerers, crafters, performers and educators. “You qualify as an exhibitor if your main purpose is something like teaching people to solder, demonstrating a robot you made, helping people try crochet, or building a giant totem pole out of Lego,” says Langdon.

They also welcome applications from people who are selling services, supplies or interesting mass-produced goods. The fee if selected as a Vendor is $100 and will be due in August; this is for both days and includes an 8-foot table and chairs.

To apply, visit their website and submit applications before June 30. For the application to be considered, web-resolution photographs of your work must be uploaded in addition to the form. All Exhibitors and Vendors are expected to be at the show the whole time both days: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14. Applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail by August 1, 2014.

Team members from Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire, Crafty Supermarket and Cincinnati Museum Center will judge each entry according to several criteria including originality, entertainment value, educational opportunity, and venue considerations. Additionally, merchandise will be judged on price range, quality of work, overall style and how many vendors are selling similar items.

To sign up for email updates and get volunteer information, visit www.cincinnatimakerfaire.com. If you would like to sponsor Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire or be a food vendor, e-mail Langdon at maker@cincinnatimakerfaire.com.