MakerFaire 2012 was a glorious success. A fire-breathing dragon; the audience pedal-powering the electronics for a concert; a dozen R2-D2s; lectures on everything from laser cutting to DARPA’s new STEM outreach program; 3D printers; turkey legs and corn-on-the-cob; and people dressed for the occasion. Click to see 44 pics.

MakerFaire, besides being fun and wacky, is a mecca for hands-on, interactive demos of STEM-stimulating software and devices. Topobo (center pic) is the perfect example. A snap-together robotic toy with the ability to record and playback physical motion, invented at the MIT Media Lab, had kids, parents and teachers enthralled.

Don’t pass up the next MakerFaire — in New York, September 29-30. It’s an inspiring experience.