The Economic Development Board will hear a presentation Wednesday on the upcoming Benicia Mini Maker Faire.

The event, slated for March 28 at Benicia Middle School, is being organized by Benicia Makerspace, a nonprofit organization “where people come together to learn, collaborate, invent, prototype and test new ideas using state-of-the-art equipment,” according to its website, www.beniciamakerspace.org/.

Maker Faire is touted as the “Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth,” and a “family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.”

The original Maker Faire took place in San Mateo, which this year will mark its 10th year of hosting such events. In 2013, the most recent year for which figures were available, that event had 900 makers and 120,000 attendees. The World Maker Faire in New York, the movement’s other flagship event, has grown to over 600 makers and 75,000 attendees.

Featured Maker Faires boast more than 200 makers in Detroit, Kansas City, Newcastle (UK), Rome, Oslo, Norway and Tokyo. Community-driven Mini Maker Faires are now being organized across the U.S. and around the world, including Benicia.

Aaron Newcomb, Benicia Makerspace president, will give a presentation on the upcoming Mini Maker Faire.

Also on Wednesday’s agenda:

• The board will hear Benicia Main Street’s semi-annual report in PowerPoint form, detailing the nonprofit’s work and activities.

• City staff will give a report on Benicia’s 2014 third-quarter sales tax receipts and vacancy rates. This also will be accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation.

• Staff also will update the board on plans for the upcoming season of Art Walk and introduce the city’s new Art Walk partner, Arts Benicia.

• Mike Caplin of the city’s Tourism Committee will provide an update on the committee’s activities.

If You Go
The Economic Development Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Commission Room of City Hall, 250 East L St.

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