Maker Faire

We went to Maker Faire yesterday and spent a good six hours wandering the scene. It was fun but really, really crowded. When we showed up a little after noon there was no more paid parking and the free lots we tried were full already. We eventually found street parking about .75 miles from the Expo Center. Next year we will take the train. S. was a trooper and walked to and from the Faire and all day at the Faire without complaining. I mostly enjoyed the sculptures, art cars and large-scale mechanics (like the life-size mousetrap and mechanical giraffe). Peter liked the machines, weird bikes and other vehicles, and electronics. S. was in love with all the ROBOTS!!!!!, the LEGO jeep and the odd cars, especially the car in the shape of a giant snail which we had to literally tear him away from. He was also thrilled to see a large traction engine just like Trevor on Thomas. We poked around the crafts bazaar a bit but it was so crowded in there we were feeling really clasuterphobic. Plus, there wasn't anything we were really dying to buy, though I still want the Oakland/Imperial Walker shirt which probably only makes sense if you are familiar with the Oakland ports. I have always thought those big cranes looked like Imperial Walkers. There was lots of cool stuff at the bazaar, but nothing that really screamed BUY ME!!! People watching was fun and S. liked looking at people riding the rides, especially the self-powered ferris wheel. He rode the little-kid bike-powered merry-go-round, but he was a bit too short to reach the pedals so he just hung on while the other kids pedaled--he enjoyed it all the same. Overall it was a great day if a bit tiring. The lack of parking was a minus as was the fact they don't allow food or drink in so we had to spend even more money to feed and water ourselves--that always makes me pissy. I hate being forced to purchase a venue's food and drink. Other than those annoyances we had plenty of fun. The weather was perfect as well--a great day to spend outside.

And I leave you with motorized cupcakes and the obligatory R2D2 shot:




More photos when you click through at any of the links. Full set is here.