White House Maker Faire

On June 18th, a select group of makers will get to show off their projects at the White House and talk with the President about making and how it has shaped their lives.

Back in February of 2012, we saw Joey Hudy launch marshmallows in the White House with President Obama grinning over his shoulder. With the young maker as an ambassador, those quick blasts of sugary goodness inspired the White House to host their own Maker Faire.

The band OK Go, known for their maker-themed music videos, has been tapped to help spread the word. (Check out their video above).

The message from the official announcement is loud and clear.

Like OK Go, the President is fired up about hosting the first-ever White House Maker Faire, where he will celebrate America’s students and entrepreneurs who are inventing the future by using new tools and techniques to make just about anything in local communities and classrooms.

While the White House has held several science and education related events, this will be the very first Maker Faire on the grounds. The participating makers will be announced in the near future.

In conjunction to the White House Maker Faire, June 18th is also being proclaimed as National Day of Making. The White House lists several ways to participate, such as:

• Post your project to Make
• Hold an open house at your local Makerspace
• Volunteer to mentor someone in making

We’ll be revealing even more ways for makers coast-to-coast to participate in the National Day of Making as well; watch for updates on makezine.com shortly.

This month is going to be very exciting for the Maker community.