Tapigami, a large diagram of structures made out of masking tape, is one of many neat exhibits from last year’s Benicia Mini Maker faire that will be returning Sunday. New exhibits will also be present. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

For those who live in Benicia, the days of driving to San Francisco or beyond to go to conventions featuring innovative, mind-bending attractions are less of a necessity. Such creativity can be viewed at Benicia Middle School every April.

For the third year in a row, Benicia Makerspace— a 501(c) 3 nonprofit group that brings local creators together in a space at 4592 E Second St. where they can share and build innovative, new ideas— will be hosting its Mini Maker Faire to give makers from throughout the Bay Area and beyond a place to exhibit their inventive creations in fun, interactive ways to event attendees.

“The event is a celebration of do-it-yourself spirit and hands-on making and learning,” Aaron Newcomb, president of Benicia Makerspace, said. “It’s appropriate for anyone intrigued by the creativity and ingenuity of the surrounding region, and a don’t-miss day for families, makers, foodies, music-lovers, art-goers and more.”

Many exhibits will be returning from last year, including Tapigami, an art-form created by Sacramento artist Danny Schieble which makes sculptures out of masking tape; Riveropolis, a 45-foot stream where people can create boats out of various materials to float and test their durability; a “forest” of inflatable plants designed by Astro Botanicals; Benicia Makerspace’s very own laser maze; and full-scale replicas of R2-D2 from “Star Wars” designed by Bay Area R2 Builders, which roll around and beep just like in the movies.

The Faire will have a number of new exhibits as well. Professional musician Michael Chiaravelotti— who has played percussion with The Pretenders, Elvis Costello and even former President Bill Clinton— will be showcasing his Sonarimba, a percussion instrument resembling a large xylophone and made entirely out of recycled materials such as reclaimed pipes and scuba gear. Vallejo’s Obtainium Works will be exhibiting uniquely designed automobiles, Benicia Amateur Radio Club will be doing a ham radio demonstration, an electronic micro-controller will tell the story of Benicia’s history, and attendees can design their own swords out of foam and tape courtesy of Pufferfish Swords as well as learn how to make fast paper airplanes from the man who holds the world record for paper aircraft distance.

John Collins, who has authored three books featuring original paper airplane designs and made an appearance on “Conan” in 2015, has been exhibiting at Maker Faires throughout the Bay Area and finally got a hold of Benicia Makerspace.

“He reached out to us this year to not only bring his world record holding paper airplane design to the Faire, but also to teach others how to make it,” Newcomb said.

The Faire will also be a great showcase for BUSD students. Mary Farmar Elementary School pupils will show off projects from the school’s Science and Maker Faire; Liberty High School students will be exhibiting projects they made in art, technology and science classes, including cardboard arcade games; and Benicia High School’s math, art and engineering students will be exhibiting their escape room puzzles.

“Benicia High School and Liberty High School have always submitted exhibits thanks to wonderful teachers like Nicci Nunes and Andreas Kaiser,” Newcomb said. “Overall the district has been extremely supportive of this hands-on learning opportunity.”

“Benicia Mini Maker Faire is a fantastic way for the students in our district to see how the things they learn in the classroom can be applied in fun and exciting ways in the real world,” BUSD Superintendent Charles Young said in a statement. “The spark of creativity they receive at this event will help them along their path to become the innovators of the future.”

People will also be able to purchase discounted Benicia Makerspace memberships, lunch will be provided by Got Plate Lunch, snow cones provided by Rainbow Snow, live music and a whole lot more.

Newcomb hopes the event will inspire future makers.

“If you see something you think is cool or interesting, go home and try it out,” he said. “If you don’t feel up to the task, join your local makerspace for help.”

The Mini Maker Faire will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 2 at Benicia Middle School, located at 1100 Southampton Road. Tickets purchased before the day of the event are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 5 to 17 and $36 for families of two adults and two or more children. After midnight on Saturday, the prices will go up, so those wanting to save 30 percent should buy tickets now. Tickets can be purchased at beniciamakerfaire2017.eventbrite.com. For more information, including a full list of exhibits, go to benicia.makerfaire.com.

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