SparkFun Shares Passion for DIY Movement at Maker Faire New York

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 17 and 18 2011, SparkFun Electronics (www.sparkfun.com), a provider of parts knowledge and passion for electronics creation, traveled to the World Maker Faire in New York City, New York. Hosted by Make Magazine, the event attracted artists, engineers, crafters and designers who came together to learn, create, and share their innovations.

As the company's second trip to the New York-area Maker Faire, SparkFun once again served as an event sponsor and workshop host. The faire drew record crowds to the New York Hall of Science. In addition to showcasing products and meeting with customers, SparkFun hosted soldering workshops, teaching attendees the tools and techniques needed to do basic through-hole soldering. As in years past, SparkFun collected donations for participation in the workshops and donated more than $8,500 to two local charities – the Food Bank for New York City (http://www.foodbanknyc.org) and Expanding Your Horizons (http://www.expandingyourhorizons.org/).

SparkFun brought several different kits with them to serve as teaching aids for the soldering workshop. This year, the kits were the Weevil Eye (a light-sensitive night light), the BigTime Kit (a DIY wristwatch), the Multimeter (build your own electronics tool), and the ever-popular Simon Kit (the classic memory game). By the end of the faire, attendees completed 750 kits.

"Maker Faire is an exciting event that draws like-minded inventors, hobbyists and crafters together," said AnnDrea Boe, Director of Marketing. "This year's event was better than ever – allowing SparkFun to re-connect with customers along with old and new friends. Maker Faire is an excellent opportunity not only to teach soldering and network with customers, but is an ideal way to keep a finger on the pulse of the DIY community," Boe added.

About SparkFun Electronics
Founded in 2003, SparkFun shares its passion for electronics by providing parts, knowledge, and innovation for those looking to explore the world of embedded electronics. It helps anyone discover their inner inventor and enables individuals to create their own electronics projects. SparkFun currently offers more than 1,800 products, ranging from simple components, like capacitors and resistors to GPS units and Bluetooth modules. The company employs 130 people and is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Media Contact:
Jeremy Douglas
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760, ext. 16
[email protected]

SOURCE SparkFun Electronics