Makers from throughout the Mississippi region will gather at the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum at historic Soule’ Steam Works this weekend for the Third Annual Meridian Mini Maker Faire.

What is Maker Faire? According to Greg Hatcher, executive director of the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, the one-of-a-kind event creates opportunities for conversations with makers – tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students and entrepreneurs – to come together to show their projects and talk about what they have learned.

“Maker Faire is a community-based learning event that inspires everyone to become a maker, and connect with people and projects in their local community,” Hatcher said. “Yet, Maker Faire is a ‘fair’ – fun, engaging and exciting.”

Beginning Friday, the three-day event will feature makers representing various interests, from ceramic artists to costume/makeup artists to drone specialists, according to organizers. Admission is free.

Highlights of Meridian Maker Faire activities include:

• Mississippi Children’s Museum will present several children’s activities, including the Lego block building area and art-inspired activities which, according to organizers, promise to be both fun and educational.

• Meridian Community College’s Industrial Technology students will present hands-on activities which provide the opportunity to experience real-life machines work.

• MCC’s Electronic School students will teach soldering classes for those interested in learning the basic skills.

• Novice and expert fly tying, jewelry making, sewing and sand casting demonstrations

• Presentations by the OCAS Audubon chapter, wildlife groups and oil and watercolor artists.

• Student-made projects from the Lamar County Technical Engineering Center, including an automatic cat feeder, cardboard pinball machine and CNC-built wheelchair desk.

On Saturday at 10 a.m., Dr. Brinda Willis, a writer for the Jackson Advocate and an expert on blues and African-American food, will present “How to Teach the Blues.” Willis’ discussion will inform educators how to integrate blues education into their lesson plans for social studies, geography and history. The presentation will also include background information, current events and historical landmarks significant to the music and artists.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, Richelle Putnam will present “Personal Experience Writing,’ which will highlight the power and therapeutic value of words and how to explore the future by visiting the past. Putnam – who has written print and online publications on adult and children’s literature and is listed on the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist Roster – will share personal stories from different anthologies, provide writing prompts to spur attendees’ recollections and advice on how to slip past the protector to reach emotional honesty.

Made possible through a partnership with MAKE Magazine, Meridian Maker Faire has continued to grow each year in participation from makers and attendees. According to Hatcher, last year, more than 20 makers shared their crafts with an enthusiastic audience from ages 8 to 90 with a wide range of interests. Previous year’s Mini Maker Faires have featured everything from 3-D printing to sewing to letterpress printing.

Want to go?

What: Meridian Maker Faire

When: Friday and Saturday, from 10 am.-5 p.m.; Sunday, from 1-5 p.m.

Where: Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, Historic Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 Fourth St.

Admission: Free. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.com or by registering at the door.

Information: Greg Hatcher, 601-693-9905 or visit the website meridian.makerfaire.com