Esurance Announces Winner For The "Road To Maker Faire Challenge"

SAN FRANCISCO, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal car insurance company, is pleased to announce the grand prize winner of the "Road to Maker Faire Challenge."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120517/SF09719)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111222/SF26836LOGO-b)

The contest challenged burgeoning "makers" to enter their do-it-yourself (DIY) projects suitable for exhibition at Maker Faire Bay Area, and echoes the inventive, pioneering spirit of Esurance.

The winner, archaeologist George Crawford, aka "Paleotool," received $2,000 to travel from his residence in New Mexico to exhibit his prize-winning entry, "The Vardo, Home on Wheels."

The Vardo, which takes its name from the Romani word meaning "a wagon to live in," is a whimsical version of a modern RV and wholly inspired by 19th century "gypsy" and sheep herder wagons. A hand-built trailer safe for highway travel, it has logged over 10,000 miles to date. Designed without plumbing or electrical fittings, it reflects Crawford's attention to the details of minimalist living. His traveling essentials include bedding, cooking gear, stove, lanterns, and a small library.

"It's a sort of melding of the love of simplicity with the reality of modern travel lust," Crawford said about his inspiration for the wagon. "I never wanted an RV in the traditional sense, so the simple horse-drawn style of the old-time wagons seemed to be the way to go."

Attendees can check out The Vardo and meet Crawford at his exhibit alongside the Esurance Booth at Maker Faire Bay Area on May 19 and 20, 2012, in San Mateo, California. For more details on the creative process behind The Vardo, visit the Paleotool Blog at www.paleotool.com/plans-projects-and-patterns/the-vardo/. 

About Maker Faire

The inaugural Maker Faire was held in San Mateo, CA in 2006. Maker Faire Bay Area will celebrate its seventh annual Bay Area event in May 2012 with over 100,000 people in attendance. As Maker Faire has grown in popularity and relevance, additional Faires were launched in 2010 in Detroit and New York City. Community-driven, independently produced Mini Maker Faire events inspired by Maker Faire are now being produced around the United States and the World. Maker Faire is supported by MAKE magazine and O'Reilly Media, the information source for leading-edge computer technologies. For more information about Maker Faire, please visit www.makerfaire.com

About Esurance®

Esurance provides auto insurance direct to consumers online, over the phone, and through select agents, including sister company, Answer Financial. With easy-to-use mobile apps, quick comparison quotes, and online repair monitoring, Esurance is insurance for the modern world™ and the smart choice for today's web-savvy consumer. As a member of the Allstate family with an A+ rating from A.M. Best, Esurance is a reliable choice for car insurance, offering anytime, anywhere service just a click, call, or tap away. For more information, visit www.esurance.com or call 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262).

SOURCE Esurance