Science North came alive on a chilly Saturday afternoon as hundreds swirled in for the second annual Makerfest exhibit.
Spinning yarns, homemade essential oils, leather goods, jewellery, button making and 3D printers kept all ages occupied.
“This year they have quite a different variety of stuff, we didn’t see any of the technical stuff last year,” Kevin Despot, visitor to the Makerfest, said.
Although still in its infancy, the fest packed a fun-filled afternoon for anyone looking to support local entrepreneurs or even try their hand at homemade items.
“Makerfest gives an opportunity for makers that don't usually fit into the crafts genre. It is an opportunity to showcase their passions or things that they do as hobbies,” Mary Searle, event organizer, said.
The exhibits at the annual fest featured some seasoned artist, as well as budding entrepreneurs. The common thread among both, however, was the idea of a helping hand.
Kyle Nyereyemhuka, 12, a budding entrepreneur, was helping raise funds for a breakfast program in Zimbabwe by selling slime.
“I go to St. Charles College here, and we get breakfast every morning, but in some African countries children have to walk eight kilometres to get to school without even eating and sometimes they don't get enough food,” Nyereyemhuka said.
Kyle had set up the booth in partnership with his sister, Kayla Nyereyemhuka, and friend, Chiedza Dune, at the Vale Cavern and was quite pleased with the crowd that their booth was attracting.
Denise Finucane, a seasoned maker, displayed a green patchwork quilt she had just completed in support of those affected by the Humboldt tragedy in Saskatchewan, while simultaneously working on a quilt for the Northern Cancer Foundation.
“I try to do one or more charity project every year, and this year cancer has hit our home, so I am making a quilt for the Northern Cancer Foundation,” Denise Finucane said.
Makerfest is an annual celebration planned by the Greater Sudbury Public Library, Science North and the Sudbury Design Society to bring together people with interest in learning a new craft and sharing their passion with others.
Check out our gallery for some inspiration, although we warn you some assembly is required.
