LEGO Festival draws big interest during winter break

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Adults joined their children on the floor or at a table for the LEGO Festival at the Cherry Valley Public Library.

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“We have thousands of LEGOS and Duplos here,” said Jane Lenser, director of the Cherry Valley Public Library. “Miss Blaine does LEGO Days throughout the year and we have seen other libraries successfully do LEGO days.

“We thought this would be an interesting thing for families visiting parents and grandparents to do during winter break. We have even had cousins meet here for the event. It is fun for all ages.

“We have had an average of 25 to 30 people at any given time during the last two days. They can drop in for a short time or stay for a long time, whatever they like. They are both learning and having fun.”

Twice each day during the LEGO Festival, Miss Blaine showed the guests how to make a balloon powered LEGO car. One makes a wheeled vehicle of the LEGOs. At the rear of the car is a section with a hole in it to hold the balloon. Remove the top LEGO brick, inflate the balloon, and insert the neck of the balloon into the hole with the mouth of the balloon facing the rear of the vehicle. Replace the segment (or the top brick) onto the vehicle, let go of the balloon and watch it go.

This project is a STEM activity and can be used in science class, in competition, or at a party.

The adults had as much fun as the kids did as they all inflated balloons, set up…

For complete article, pick up the Jan. 3 Belvidere Republican.