R4 hosts 3rd annual STEM Festival

RIO RANCHO — While many families were traveling for the holiday weekend, R4 Creating, a local STEM education nonprofit, was hosting the third annual STEM Festival at their workshop and lab on Sara Road.

The STEM Festival, which ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at R4, included robotics games and STEM learning booths to go alongside face painting, games, a raffle and numerous local food trucks.

“We just really wanted to invite the community into our space to see what we are up to and offer more opportunities to kids in the community and families as well,” said Dr. Shelly Gruenig, R4 Creating founder and executive director. “I think there’s a little bit of everything here. We call it a STEM Festival, but you’ll notice ... some of our friends in the arts [are here]. We partner with a lot of performing arts organizations. They bring the A for STEAM.”

STEM is an acronym meaning science, technology, engineering and math. An extension of the STEM concept includes art and is, appropriately, called STEAM.

Possibly the most popular attraction every year, according to Gruenig, is the bomb squad robot who greets attendees at the entrance.

“The bomb squad is always a highlight,” she said. “For two reasons: First it’s just cool. That robot is so cool. But also, the fact that they can be here means they aren’t out on a call, so I always appreciate that.”

While fun and games are certainly the main purpose of the STEM Festival, Gruenig says it goes deeper than that.

“It’s an important way to impact and serve the community,” she said. “This is our 21st year and being of service to the community has always been a big part of [R4] and what we teach the youth in our program. We are better together.”

Gruenig said the event was successful this year and she plans to host it again next year on Labor Day.

“A lot of families travel or might go out of town, but one of the reasons we chose Labor Day was because not everyone can afford to travel,” she said. “We really want to make science and technology accessible to kids no matter who they are. [We believe in] building equity in our community and the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.”