SYRACUSE, NY – CNY Drones celebrates their 3rd year at the New York State Fair’s STEAM Exhibit with the introduction of their 2020 Team Drone Challenge, FARM-i-GEDDON. Volunteers will host an informational drone display, interactive drone simulators, and take visitors on flight ride-a-longs using First Person View goggles. Experienced recreational drone owners will share their knowledge from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, in the Science and Industry Building, just inside the Main Gate. A 10′ x 20′ netted zone will give Fairgoers an opportunity to view live indoor drone flights. CNY Drones and sister organization, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Academy of Model Aeronautics Student Club (SUNY AMA), along with SUNY Fabrication Club & Combat Bot Team, and the SUNY 3D Printing Club will be on hand with CNY Drones mentors.
The 2020 Team Drone Challenge, FARM-i-GEDDON, for ages 12 and up, will be highlighted in the exhibit. FARM-i-GEDDON officially kicks-off on September 29, 2019 as part of Drone Info Day, this year, combined with the exciting 3rd Annual NEON Night Race at SUNY Poly’s Wildcat Field. For the first time, FARM-i-GEDDON’s Northeast Challenge Day will include 2 divisions, middle/high school and a new college/adult level. For three years, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s engineering student clubs have joined forces to host the low-cost Team Drone Challenge, giving those interested in technical fields an opportunity to participate in a reasonably-priced activity that ties into New York’s growing drone industry.
The Fair’s STEAM exhibit area spotlights exciting careers in technical trades where the need for qualified workers is growing rapidly. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. According to CNY Drones Administrator, Lisa Payne, “Connections at the Fair have sparked interest in new drone teams and technology programs throughout the State. We’re honored to be one of the many exhibitors sharing student opportunities.” Federal government statistics indicate that employment in the science, technology, engineering and math fields will grow by 9 million by 2022. The STEAM Exhibit’s goal is to help attract young people to the those fields.
CNY Drones provides student and adult access to drone technology through an information hub and year-round events. The CNY Drones Planning Committee meets weekly to discuss program needs and invitations to community events. CNY Drones accepts tax-deductible donations as a not-for-profit under the fiscal agency of the Griffiss Institute. For more information, visit www.CNYDrones.org or email: CNYDrones@gmail.com.
