Dover Children's Museum hosts Maker Fest Saturday

DOVER - This Saturday from 10 .a.m.-3 p.m. is the Children's Museum of New Hampshire's 10^th annual NH Maker Fest in downtown Dover, and the day will be filled with hands-on discovery.

The Fest, organized and hosted by the museum, is a gathering of over 30 local makers of all kinds willing to share what they love to do, and curious visitors who enjoy learning new things.

"This year we have artisans, crafters, robotics teams, STEM educators, authors, podcasters, dancers, tinkerers and even baby goats and a giant trebuchet," said Jane Bard, CMNH President. "It's going to be a fun day."

The makers take over the inside of the museum, as well as outside in the upper part of Henry Law Park, including performances on the Rotary Arts Pavilion stage.

"Sages Entertainment will be performing magic, and the students from the McDonough Grimes Irish Dance school will also be showing off their skills on the stage," said Bard. "The museum educators will be leading hands-on engineering challenges under the CMNH Workshop Tent outside in the park, like 'Build an Upcycled Race Car' and 'Egg-drop container challenge,' in which visitors can design and build a container for an egg that will be launched from the roof of the museum towards the end of the fest to test its durability.

"It makes cleaning up at the end of the fest interesting," noted Bard. "But totally worth it and lots of fun to watch!"

Two food trucks will be circled around the upper part of Henry Law park during the fest. Kerry's Culinary Creations and Betty's Kitchen serve up traditional and not-so traditional family favorites, while Kona Ice and Zuri and Ollies Bakery will offer sweet treats.

While the Children's Museum of New Hampshire exhibits will be filled with makers, there are still a few exhibits open for playtime. Entrance into the Fest is by a suggested $5/person donation, and no reservations are required. Masks are optional, both inside, and outside. The museum would like to thank its generous sponsors including lead sponsors Kennebunk Savings Bank, the State of New Hampshire on behalf of the UNIQUE College Investing Plan, and New Hampshire Public Television. Other Maker Fest sponsors include Sprague, Albany International, Alexander Technology Group, Beswick Engineering, Chinburg Properties, QA Café, Loftware, and Martel Plumbing and Heating.

To learn more about the NH Maker Fest, including a complete schedule and list of participating Makers, visit www.childrens-museum.org.