On October 13 and 14 almost thirty members of TexLUG-Houston participated in this year’s Houston Maker Faire. In addition to the usual displays of custom models built with LEGO® bricks, we ran speed build contests, organized a scavenger hunt, and built a power wheels race car.
Speed build contests are common at AFOL shows. Houston Maker Faire is different in that it celebrates Makers of all kinds, not just the ones that love LEGO®. Most of the public attendees that took part in the speed builds had never done a contest like that before, and they were very excited about it.
The Hidden Bricks scavenger hunt was set up with the help of the Maker Faire staff. TexLUG-Houston members created 20 small models that were placed in various locations around the whole event, not just in the TexLUG-Houston area. Using a page with pictures of the models, public attendees visited all the other exhibitors and vendors to locate the models. Each day a winner was selected from all the correct entries.
Power Wheels racing was a new event at Maker Faire this year. Thanks to our AFOL car mechanic, TexLUG-Houston won the overall event after a series of races on Saturday and Sunday. While the vehicle started out fully decorated with LEGO® parts, by the end of the last race it was down to the bare frame.
Displays this year included a large Wild West layout, an amusement park, various Star Wars® builds, detailed sports cars, and Halloween scenes. In addition, Texas Brick Railroad set up an extensive train and town display.
Houston Maker Faire took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, Texas on Oct. 13-14, 2018. Public attendance was about 4,500 total for the weekend. TexLUG-Houston has displayed at this event for at least the last 5 years, and we look forward to continuing the partnership for many years to come.
Models and photos are by members of TexLUG-Houston. More photos and videos can be seen in our Facebook album.