Creativity, innovation and community will come together as Lacey MakerSpace opens its doors for the Festival of Sparks, its annual fundraiser, from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event is free and open to all.
The Festival of Sparks will transform Lacey MakerSpace’s 8,000-square-foot facility into a lively celebration of the people who make, build, design and create in the South Sound. The day will include an Artist Alley, Makers Market, music, games, food and drinks, an open house and equipment demonstrations, a news release from event organizers stated.
Visitors will have an opportunity to meet local artists, craftspeople, entrepreneurs and makers while getting an inside look at the technology and equipment available at Lacey MakerSpace.
Festival attractions are expected to include food trucks, a live auction featuring handcrafted pieces from Lacey MakerSpace members, staff and participating vendors, the MakerSpace's in-house claw machine, a national robotics team and the chance to have a portrait drawn live, in real time, by an 8-foot CNC router.
The event is an opportunity to introduce people to the role Lacey MakerSpace plays in supporting entrepreneurship, workforce development, education and creative exploration in the region. Lacey MakerSpace provides access to professional-grade tools and hands-on learning while helping entrepreneurs and makers turn ideas into reality, according to the news release.
“Festival of Sparks is really about showing people what becomes possible when you give them access to the right tools, skills and community,” Michelle Pope, director of Lacey MakerSpace, said in the release. “We want people to walk through the doors, meet our makers, see the equipment in action and leave inspired to create something of their own.”
Founded through a collaboration between Saint Martin’s University, the City of Lacey and the Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation, Lacey MakerSpace has grown into a regional hub for hands-on learning, workforce training, entrepreneurship and innovation.
As the organization’s annual fundraiser, Festival of Sparks also provides an opportunity for businesses and community members to invest in the MakerSpace’s continued growth. Sponsorships range from donated auction items to major event partnerships, with proceeds helping expand access to tools, training, materials and opportunities for makers throughout the region.
The event will be held at Saint Martin’s University Campus, Zaverl Hall, Building 5, Baran Drive SE, Lacey.
For event information, sponsorship opportunities or ways to support Lacey MakerSpace, visit LaceyMakerSpace.org or contact Michelle@laceymakerspace.org or 360-339-4205.
