Virtual N.H. Maker & Food Fest taking shape

DOVER - If you know the secret of a great joke, can juggle or sing, make an unusual product, or fix a common one, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire is looking for you. That can only mean it's time for its NH Maker & Food Fest.

To keep the festival alive during the COVID-19 pandemic, CMNH is making its eighth annual a virtual event, which might just open it to more makers and participants.

The museum is still seeking additional makers for its first virtual event, which is coming up fast. Its deadlines are coming up sooner still.

The NH Maker & Food Fest will be held on YouTube and Facebook on Saturday, Aug. 29. The museum is still accepting presenters with a deadline for them to submit their demonstration videos by Friday, Aug. 14.

Taking the event virtual was an easy decision for the museum.

"It's such a major event for us because it's so connected to our mission, which is hands-on discovery," the museum’s Communications Director Neva Cole says. "It's an important event for us. ... And I should also mention all of this is free, free as a maker, and free to watch. We have amazing sponsors."

The museum has been reaching out to former and known makers for months, but is still in the market for more.

The guidelines are simple. Commit. Make a video. Have it in on time.

Makers can submit video tutorials, Q&As, tours, time-lapses, or simply talk about what they make.

"It's never been easier to participate in the fest. ... With everyone having a cell phone now it really is just holding a cell phone up, hitting video and sending it to us," Cole says. "We'll take care of the rest."

Better yet get the video in before the deadline for feedback, or assistance; "the earlier in, the better chance of finessing rather than being dropped."

"We're here to brainstorm if they're not sure about how to to talk about what they do, ... just ask," Cole says. "There may be some incidents where we say ’no, thank you,’ it's not appropriate, or let's work on it to fine tune it for next year. But in general, I'm willing to work with anyone that is interested in presenting."

Video lengths may vary. The museum recommends 15 minutes tops, but they can be as short as 30 seconds "something short and silly. It's really up to the makers."

This is an all-age festival, but presentations can be directed at a certain population.

"Whatever the content shared, it does have to be family-friendly," Cole says. "But it does not need to be gauged to a child."

The day-long event already promises a broad collection of subjects. They'll take more of what they have - singers, chefs or tinkerers, just with a different twist. And, of course, they're always looking for the unique.

To date they have a few chefs "who agreed to talk about inspirations, and give tips on fav recipes."

"We have a cold brew coffeemaker. He serves coffee out of an old car he has revamped into a coffee truck," Cole says. "He'll give a tour of that truck and talk about how the NH Makers group helped him accomplish that. - Very cool."

Dominic, a 12-year-old drummer, is set to present. The young musician, who busked in Boston pre-pandemic, will talk about "Percussion for A Purpose," the nonprofit he's launched.

"He's going to record himself performing and talk about what he raises money for, and talk about the charity,“ Cole says.

One artist booked will demonstrate "the cool ancient art of Scrimshandler" using domino tiles, "and probably dressed up as a pirate."

Also scheduled, a conversation on the Top Ten pets in paintings, and a studio tour of an artist that creates items such as Halloween masks and fairy sculptures.

The museum will have its own contributions peppered throughout the day. The institution's educators have produced more than 60 videos with activities that people can do at home, since closing in March. Their presentation will include some of those earlier videos, and will premier others created for the event.

Presenters are welcome to submit promotional materials and hands-on activities to be included in the festival's 150 Maker Fest activity kits, which will be given out free on a first-come first-serve basis. Those interested in receiving a kit must reserve kits online, and will need to be available to pick them up at a specific date and time.

"It's coming together fast and furious right now, which is good," Cole says. "I'm trying to get people to confirm, and I'm also trying to get the word out that this is happening. So, yes, it's all coming together."

Go & Do

What: Children's Museum of New Hampshire's NH Maker & Food Fest

When: To be broadcast Saturday, Aug. 29; deadline for video and material submissions Friday, Aug.14

Where: Broadcast online at

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChildrensMuseumNH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensMuseumNH/

More info: Visit www.childrens-museum.org