Pierce College Hosts Lakewood MakerFest

Lakewood MakeFest is on Saturday, Aug. 9, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., at Pierce College.

 

Submitted by Pierce College

Clubhouse member R.J. Garlick, 13, will be showcasing his "Widget Wagon" at the event.
Clubhouse member R.J. Garlick, 13, will be showcasing his “Widget Wagon” at the event.

The Pierce College Science Dome will be filled with do-it-yourselfers of all ages on Aug. 9 during the second annual Lakewood MakerFest. Sponsored by the Pierce County Library System, City of Lakewood, Lakewood Computer Clubhouse and Pierce College, this free event is geared to new and experienced makers, as well as those looking for a little DIY inspiration.

Many youth from the Lakewood Computer Clubhouse have been hard at work for weeks creating innovative projects to display during MakerFest. The Clubhouse, as an outreach of Pierce College, has provided the space, resources and support that local youth need to gain hands-on experience creating toys, gadgets, games and more – all on their own.

“There has been so much emerging technology that has come out within the past few years, that it’s really allowed people to make their own stuff,” Clubhouse Coordinator Kurt Sample said. “We’re happy to provide a maker-space for kids, because many of them do not have much of a chance to gain this kind of experience anywhere else.”

The Clubhouse is a free after-school drop-in center where youth ages 10 to 18 can learn more about technology and spend time making everything from original music to digital art.

Lakewood MakeFest is on Saturday, Aug. 9, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., at Pierce College.
Lakewood MakeFest is on Saturday, Aug. 9, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., at Pierce College.

Clubhouse member R.J. Garlick, 13, will be showcasing his latest creation at the event, which he calls the Widget Wagon. This former Radio Flyer wagon has been transformed into a vessel for a remote-controlled camera that Garlick designed with the help of Clubhouse volunteers and friends.

“I love being able to have this time to just make stuff,” he said. “The Clubhouse has all the resources we need to create things, and the mentors are really nice.”

The event will also feature a variety of activities for youth, as well as Science Dome presentations and an opportunity to mingle with other makers. Festivities take place inside the Rainier Building at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom from 1-5 p.m.

“If you’re interested in crafting, bookmaking, robotics or computer programs, or even if you’re just looking for something fun for the kids to do, this will be a great family event for you,” said Michelle Angell, youth services librarian with the Pierce County Library system.

Anyone interested in bringing their own creation can register as a maker by clicking here.