"Where does one start at Maker Faire? As far as the eye can see, there's cool, crazy things going on, and there's just no way one person could experience it all in an entire weekend, let alone one day."
-- Daniel Terdiman, CNET

Sebastopol, CA (September 25, 2007)-Participation is the name of the game at Maker Faire! Around every corner are workshops, events, and opportunities for hands-on fun. At the upcoming Maker Faire Austin, Oct. 20 & 21 at the Travis County Expo Center, here are some of the special, stand-out events that attendees won't want to miss!

For specific program times, and other information, please visit: www.MakerFaire.com

Swap-O-Rama-Rama

As each Swap-O-Rama-Rama participant contributes one bag of unwanted clothing (mandatory), this collection produces a 5,000 to 10,000 pound pile of free clothing that is saved from landfill, and becomes the tool for creative inspiration at Swap-O-Rama-Rama. With the help of artist-taught how-to workshops, and thematic workstations such as silk screening, stenciling, or hand & machine sewing, old clothing is made new as it is creatively transformed by each participant. The Swap will also host a Saturday evening fashion show featuring the recycled designs of local designers who are exploring re-use, as well as a fashion show for attendees of the event in which they are invited to show off the modified wearables that they made earlier in the day.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama was created by artist Wendy Tremayne as a response to her feelings about consumerism and waste in our culture. The event hopes to create awareness about textile waste while exposing how the marketing efforts of industry and fashion are contributing factors to a deteriorating way of life. The Swap is an effort to turn consumers into creators by uniting individuals with DIY (do-it-yourself) skills and by taking creativity back from industry. To learn more about Swap-O-Rama-Rama, please visit: http://gaiatreehouse.com/makerfaireaustin.htm.

"King of Fling" Catapult Competition

For details and registration, please visit: www.MakerFaire.com/kingoffling

What could be cooler than building your own catapult and hurling projectiles at stuff? Answer: nothing! The catapult competition challenges participants to hit a variety of targets with accuracy and repeatability. Recognition and trophies go to the winner and honor goes to everybody who competes. The number of slots on the catapult firing range is limited, so early registration is encouraged. First-time catapult builders can find help and information on how to get started at the Maker Faire website (www.MakerFaire.com/kingoffling). "Building a catapult is fun and educational," says Make magazine contributing editor William Gurstelle. "It's a great project for individuals, families and friends to tackle."

Edible Austin's DIY Food

There's a practical side to many Do-It-Yourself projects, but perhaps none more practical than growing and making your own food! Edible Austin Magazine will be on hand at Maker Faire hosting the special "Food Maker Pavilion and Demonstration Area," showcasing local food makers, artisans and growers. Over 25 food makers and farmers will be on hand with samples, products for sale, and useful advice on how they make their wares. Other participating groups include: Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, American Grassfed Association, Sustainable Food Center, Green Corn Project and Urban Roots.

"Knowing where your food comes from is a powerful thing," says Marla Camp, publisher of Edible Austin. "This year at Maker Faire you can meet the people who make and grow your food and learn how rewarding it is to make and grow more of your own."

At the Food Maker Pavilion, Maker Faire participants can catch a variety of food-making demonstrations, including:

• Beer making
• Cheese making
• Bee keeping & honey making
• Butter making
• Pasta making
• How to cook bison
• How to cook with vodka
• How to create organic tea fertilizer
• How to build a square foot garden
• Handmade tools and using hand tools for cooking

Participatory activities will include Sustainable Pumpkin Painting – paint pumpkins and take home recipes for what to do with your pumpkin after Halloween! And we'll have an ongoing "Talk To A Farmer" booth where you can ask local farmers and producers questions about what they do and how they do it.

Also: don't miss our Day of the Dead interactive food art altar, where attendees are encouraged to bring items and create the alter on-site with help from Austin Green Art.

For more information about Maker Faire Austin (www.makerfaire.com), any of the specific events above, or to speak with Director Sherry Huss, please contact: Mark Ballard at 212-255-8455 or .

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