Northern Bricks 2, taking place this weekend, is more than a LEGO convention of everything from the classic brick set. This year’s theme is Northern Bricks “2” the Moon & Back.
“It’s a wonderful display of amazing imagination and creativity. As much as it is a show for kids, it’s an arts exhibition where people express themselves. It’s an artistic outlet. I love the infinite possibilities and the abilities to push the limits of rule and create something new,” said former St. Albert resident Sam Malmberg, Northern Bricks co-founder.
Hosted by Northern Alberta LEGO Users Group (NALUG) at Edmonton’s Glengarry Community Hall, the second edition of this family-friendly expo features 100 plus mesmerizing displays, a chance to discuss the creative process with LEGO masters, speed building competitions, speakers, a kids' brick play area, vendors and door prizes.
This year’s categories feature a virtually limitless scope from art, fantasy, function and history to scale model, sci-fi, town and country, and community builds.
The exhibition is attracting more than 200 builds from across Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. As one of the upcoming exhibitors, Malmberg plans to display a 10-foot-wide Miami-inspired city layout, a 10-foot Darth Vader castle and a 10-foot crane.
Inspired by the space theme, 20 builders have come together to create a series of moon-based modules providing a peek into how land-lovers view the moon’s futuristic mechanized colonization.
The event also features six speakers, including Caleb Short’s hands-on workshop on moving mechanisms, Michael Tyess’ modernizing classic LEGO themes, and Jennifer Dodge’s An AOFL spouse support group.
The speakers’ series also brings back a Q&A panel of three LEGO masters from LEGO Masters TV Show – Malmberg, his mother Neena Ahluwalia and Calgary’s Stephen Joo.
“Last year 700 attendees came through the door. This year we’re continuing to build and hope to increase attendance.”
Join LEGO enthusiasts Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Glengarry Community Hall, 13325 – 89 St. Ticket prices are $20 for family, $10 adults, children/seniors $5 and children under three are admitted free. Visit northernbricks.ca for details.
