The state’s largest celebration of makers returns to the Marshall University Huntington campus Friday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as the West Virginia Makes Festival delivers a jam-packed day of design challenges, exhibits, hands-on activities and live music.
The free event is presented annually by the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC).
Now in its 11th year, the Makes Festival celebrates creativity and ingenuity in all forms and recognize makers of all types and ages. The hallmark Design Challenge will feature competitors in adult and youth categories vying for cash and prizes, including a $3,000 grand prize in the adult category and a $500 award in the youth category.
“There’s still time to enter our Design Challenge for your chance to win some cool cash – and bragging rights,” said Deacon Stone, MAMC Director of Innovation. “Makers of all types are eligible to compete, and all it costs is your time and energy. Sign up and learn more at www.mfg.marshall.edu/design-challenge.”
This year’s hands-on maker activities will include screen printing, 3D printing, rocket designing and launching, robotics, printmaking, yarn making from recycled plastic and material, live reptile/amphibian interactions, and STEAM activities that include students designing and constructing pumpkin protectors for the annual Pumpkin Drop presented by Marshall’s June Harless Center. Details on the Pumpkin Drop are available here.
In addition, the festival will feature science demonstrations by Marshall’s Physics Department, computer-generated avatars, homemade Star Wars props as well as exhibits by some of West Virginia’s leading manufacturers, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia and Nucor Steel of West Virginia. “And that’s just a small sample of what to expect,” Stone said.
To create a festive mood, Marshall radio station WMUL-FM will play tunes during the event and the festival will include live performances from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring MAMC machinist student Josh Abbott – who’s also a musician – and the feel-good indie rock sensation Corduroy Brown.
“We want to extend an invitation to everyone in the region to take in the sights and sounds of the 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival,” Stone said. “Whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between, there will be something for everyone.” Learn more about the festival at www.mfg.marshall.edu/wvmakes2024.
Oct. 30, 2024
