GNY EP.164 | Maker Faire Syracuse

Syracuse Maker Fair Preview: eSports, Cosplay, Robotics, and Community Creativity Host Noah Chrysler interviews Pauline Lynch Shostak and Jonathan (John Hur) from Maker Fair Syracuse about the event as a “world’s greatest show-and-tell” where Central New York makers share creations ranging from blacksmithing and retro games to robotics and cosplay. They discuss what defines a “maker,” growth from 80 makers/1,200 attendees in year one to 144 makers this fifth year, and the impact on students who present projects. New this year are an eSports Smash Brothers tournament (17 and under) with free play, a bike-repair co-op exhibit encouraging attendees to ride in, expanded cosplay partnering with NOCO Con, and an indoor “Science Museum on Wheels” physics bus due to a larger venue. They mention exhibits like Lego League and FIRST robotics, a remote-control La-Z-Boy, Harry Potter props, and Star Wars costumers. The fair is May 2 at the New York State Fairgrounds, Center of Progress Building, with tickets at syracuse.makerfair.com/tickets. 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:33 What Is Maker Fair 01:32 What Makes a Maker 02:34 New This Year 04:04 How Big It’s Gotten 04:33 Kids Showing Their Work 05:59 Wild Past Highlights 07:13 This Year’s Must Sees 11:00 Maker Culture Evolves 14:10 Star Wars Cosplay Buzz 15:08 Tickets and Details 17:14 Closing Thanks