The event brought a live DJ, DJ Siren, a photobooth-– sparkly background, silly props, and photos printed within minutes. Attendees could try building gumdrop bridges, see 3D-printed concrete, and be part of wind tunnel demonstrations, Lego builds, rocket launches, and autonomous underwater vehicles.
Eight-year-old Thomas Lohse showed off his self-built rover modeled after a swordfish. “I had to readjust the motor and add some buoys so it wouldn’t tip over,” he said. “This is my favorite station, but I’m going to check out the other ones too.”
The open house also gave participants a chance to win door prizes and scholarships, including two $2,000 awards sponsored by Golden Valley Electric Association and Alaska 529. Free snacks and T-shirts were available while supplies lasted.
“This year, we have projects from multiple disciplines, including civil, aerospace, mining, and mechanical engineering,” Avery said. “It’s a great way for visitors to see how these fields come together to solve real-world challenges.”