Grace Thompson wins first place award for her project on bacteria. She is shown here with Funhouse Wizard Gregory Books.
The eighth annual Funhouse Science Fair, held last Saturday, March 28, was a great success. More than 55 projects were entered with over 100 kids participating, including terrific entries from most neighboring islands.
Once again, three scholarships were given out to the top High School projects. Third place went to Lanie Padbury for The Surface Tension of Water, second to Sam Prado and Lindsay Anderson for Bubbles, and the first place scholarship to Grace Thompson for her project on bacteria on local restaurant silverware.
Every year the Funhouse judges (Wizards) pick one “Best of Show” project which is awarded the the “Richie Moore Rocketship of Wonder.” This year the prize went to Lily Woodard of Shaw Island for her project on the Sense of Sight.
Lily Woodard and the Richie Moore Rocketship of Wonder
Richie Moore was described by Funhouse Founder Jim Bredouw as a “Genius who loved children.” After a career in music, working with big names such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Eric Cllapton, Moore and his wife Annie moved to Orcas Island in 1999 to become involved in “a fledgling concept called The Funhouse,” said Bredouw.
Every entrant won an award, after intensive judging by the Funhouse “Wizards.”
The Science Fair was generously sponsored this year by Bob and Phyllis Henigson, Tad and Jeanne Sommerville, and Carl de Boor and Helen Bee. Camp Orkila and Darvill’s Bookstore also pitched in with food and prizes.
“We look forward to having you all back next year!” said Funhouse staffer Kate Hansen.
