Superior Maker Fest empowers youth to create

Despite heavy snow, Fab Lab’s inaugural Superior Maker Fest opened to overwhelming support.

Makers, vendors, and attendees filled Houghton High School on March 18 to work with wood, plastic, metal, circuits, and fabric. People of all ages were encouraged to interact with creation stations that ranged from assembling a computer to sculpting clay on a pottery wheel.

High school volunteer Yamato Tajiri watched over the First Robotics station, where children controlled the cup-grabbing-creations used in a previous robotics competition.

“I like this event because lots of people come together to do something they couldn’t do themselves,” said Tajiri.

Throughout the event, makers of all types gave words of wisdom to those beginning a hobby.

Ben Keppers, event volunteer, helps two interested kids assemble a computer. Photo by Henry Snapp

Ben Keppers, Ben Boelnes, and Brandon Finley ran a station that helped attendees disassemble and reassemble working computers.

“Putting computers together is just like putting Legos together,” Keppers explained.

“Don’t get intimidated, it’s way easier than it looks,” Boelnes added.

Kris Southerland, event team manager and owner of the Copper Island Forge, sold a variety of hooks, horseshoes, and hangars at his booth. He gave this advice on beginning blacksmithing. 

“Be patient. Don’t expect perfect results. There are no mistakes in blacksmithing, just roll the metal out and try again,” he said.

Kirstin Hensley, event team manager and artist, sold laser cut wood works at her booth. She said beginning woodworking isn’t about being perfect.

“Prepare to make lots of mistakes. Mistakes are good.”

Shane Oberloier, event team manager, attributes the success of the event to early advertising, clear communication, and an ounce of charisma.

“63 people signed up for competitions, the vendors sold out, and it’s full,” Oberloier said.

Oberloier says to look forward to more Maker Fests in the future, possibly in a new location to accommodate larger crowds.

If you are interested in connecting with makers in the Copper Country area, Jason Mack, event team manager, suggests joining the Superior Fab Lab Discord server, where makers in the area can help you find the materials, tools, and knowledge needed to start making.