Sunny Skies and Bright Minds at Greenwood’s Annual iMAGINE Lakelands STEAM Festival
The people of Greenwood were graced with some lovely weather on Saturday, **October 24, 2024**. With temperatures climbing to a warm 81°F during the day and dipping to a cool 46°F in the evening, it was a perfect day for some outdoor exploration. The pleasant winds from the North-Northeast made it even more enjoyable for families and kids gathering for the much-anticipated iMAGINE Lakelands STEAM Festival held in Uptown Greenwood.
A Glimpse Into the World of STEAM
The festival is like an adventure playground, designed to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) among the budding enthusiasts and their families. As kids roamed from booth to booth, each station offered a unique hands-on experience aimed at promoting curiosity and learning.
Discovering the Future with Hands-On Fun
Over at the Celebrate Freedom Foundation booth, Mark Inabinet dazzled the crowd with a spectacular drone demonstration. Brighton Miller, a curious young girl attending with her grandmother, Cathy Miller, was particularly captivated. “She enjoys analytical things,” Cathy remarked, highlighting how the festival’s interactive nature aligns perfectly with Brighton’s inquisitive spirit. “I thought this would be a great opportunity for some hands-on interaction with science and technology,” Cathy added.
A Lesson in Utility and Innovation
Nearby, visitors could learn about local utilities at the Greenwood CPW booth. Michael Proctor engaged guests by explaining the workings of a hydrant model, stirring robust conversations about the recent power outages caused by Hurricane Helene. “The biggest question has been about why transformers blow,” Proctor explained, turning infrastructure woes into learning opportunities.
Bee Curious!
The buzz around the Lakelands Beekeepers Association booth was undeniably sweet. Kids like Amelia Lucarelli delved into the fascinating world of bees. Her father, Anthony, a firm believer in education beyond school walls, noted, “We like trying out the booths and learning about gardening and animals. There are knowledgeable folks here to pique the interest of my kids.”
Popcorn and Popsicle Catapults
Kaziah Harrison and her mom, Christy Simpkins, enjoyed an unexpected treat—a taste test of gourmet popcorn at the Puzzle Pop booth. Their fun didn’t stop there. Kaziah built LEGO race cars and explored the art of s’mores making. “This is our first festival,” Simpkins said, clearly excited about their discoveries. “It’s really interesting.”
A Community of Makers and Thinkers
By the time the sun set, creating a clear and crisp evening sky, locals had filled their day with tangibly incredible learning experiences. The festival nurtured a sense of community and collaboration among participants, leaving kids inspired and keen to delve further into the vast world of STEAM.
As the festival wrapped up, it was evident Greenwood’s STEAM initiative was a success, lighting a spark of curiosity and learning in the next generation, encouraging them to dream big and explore wide. From drones to bees, from hydrants to creative catapults, the festival equipped young minds with the tools to imagine—and create—the future.
