Approximately 500 people gathered at the ninth annual MakerFEST at the Lakeshore branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library on Saturday.
“This is our ninth year hosting MakerFEST and it is one of our favourite community events. Amazing connections are generated between the folks who walk through the door and discover something new, and the makers who are sharing their passion and skills with the community,” said Kathryn Schoutsen who is the manager of engagement and community development at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library.
“This event highlights the library as more than a community space, it is an active hub that sparks curiosity and ignites the imagination. MakerFEST turns the library into a place buzzing with energy and ideas to be exchanged and shared,” said Schoutsen.
More than 35 exhibitors participated in MakerFEST, which was described as a community show-and-tell event to highlight the talent of local entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and engineers as they unveiled their latest creations with the intent to inspire others to explore a new creative venture.
DriVR Academy and Framework Studios were onsite, as were the MacLaren Arts Centre, InnPower, InnServices, and the Rotary Club of Innisfil. Showcased art included abstract, balloon, caricature, vinyl creations, and fabric/sewing, as well as digital drawing.
The 501st Legion — which a is worldwide group of Star Wars cosplayers — attended, including Star Wars enthusiasts, Darren Serool and Patrick Ryan, who shared different levels of droids they built.
“They can involve FDM 3D printing, resin printing and vacuum forming. Designs can be found on different Droid Builder groups and Michael Badley's Patreon,” Serool explained.
“I just love building these things and sharing the love of Star Wars with everybody who comes to these events,” Ryan said, who has been making Star Wars droids since 2019.
He told InnisfilToday that while some take months to build — such as the mouse droid, which was the first one he ever made — others take almost two years like BB-8. Though it was Ryan’s first time attending MakerFEST in Innisfil, he tries to attend five to 10 similar events every year.
“It is a pleasure and an honour to be here (and) to be able to display our work," Serool said. "(We) would encourage anyone interested to come to one of these MakerFESTS and see what you can do.”
Features unique to the library — such as the HackLAB, ideaSHOP and green screen technology — were in full force, while attendees were invited to learn more about the Monarch Butterfly Rearing Program and pollinator garden.
Tranquil Corners Yoga and Living Lotus Online were among the exhibitors, and children enjoyed storytime.
Guests were welcome to paint wooden fish that were added to the Community Ice Hut. They will be displayed throughout the winter. To learn about upcoming events at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, check out its website.
