A sunny weekend in early September was perfect for a gathering of the creative, the curious, and the resourceful for an event dubbed "the greatest show-and-tell on earth." Central Oregon Maker Fair was held on the grounds of Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room on Simpson Avenue in Bend.

For a cost of entry less than the price of a cup of coffee, festivalgoers witnessed and participated in a wide variety of "making." People shared what they are doing and learning, from art to recycling, science to music, repurposing to cardboard tube fighting.

A chalkboard near the stage captured the spirit of the e...