Updated with new location: Ann Arbor Mini Maker Faire Aug. 29 at the Saline Fairgrounds

The Ann Arbor Mini Maker Faire is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds (also known as the Saline Fairgrounds), 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

According to the event's Web site:

Maker Faire ... brings together science, art, craft and engineering plus music in a fun, energized, and exciting public forum. The aim is to inspire people of all ages to roll up their sleeves and become makers. This family-friendly event showcases the amazing work of all kinds of makers, ... anyone who is embracing DIY and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience.

The Mini Maker Faire is modeled after the Maker Faire organized by Make Magazine; the fourth annual Bay Area faire was held in San Mateo, Calif., in May 2009. That event, which bills itself as the world's largest DIY festival, has "robots, rockets, crafts and food."

The Mini Maker Faire will be held indoors, which limits the rocketry possibilities. Confirmed exhibitors include the Vortex Doomsday Cannon, a soldering instruction session, Self Replicating 3D Rapid Prototyping Machines, electric scooters, a cupcake car, laser light shows built into lunchboxes and more.

The Ann Arbor District Library carries Make Magazine, and some back issues are available for checkout.