BROOKINGS - When Rhys Heiberger's mom told him she would not buy him a fidget spinner, the 9-year-old from Brookings took matters into his own hands, literally, and built one. Now he is sharing his unique version with others at the community's “Kid-Preneu
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BROOKINGS – When Rhys Heiberger’s mom told him she would not buy him a fidget spinner, the 9-year-old from Brookings took matters into his own hands, literally, and built one. Now he is sharing his unique version with others at the community’s “Kid-Preneur Pop-up Market” on Saturday, July 29.
“We are so excited about the number of kids who will be participating in the market,” said Jennifer Quail, director of entrepreneur support for Brookings Economic Development Corporation and coordinator of the event. “We actually had to move the location to the City Recreation Center in order to accommodate all of them.”
So far, 27 kids ages 5-17 have signed up for the event, and the list of products and services includes artwork, jewelry, pet toys, baked goods, blankets, hair accessories, key chains, travel games, slime making, lawn mowing services, fishing advice and more. There is no cost to attend or participate in the market, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 221 Main Ave. in downtown Brookings as part of the community’s Crazy Days celebration.
The market is just one of the many events and programs available for entrepreneurs and startups, according to Quail.
“For a town of its size, the resources and services available for entrepreneurs in Brookings is incredible,” she said. “More importantly, we can count on the residents of our community to support and encourage the efforts of even our young entrepreneurs.”
Rhys’s mom encouraged him to learn how fidget spinners work, and that led him to YouTube. Using recycled materials he found around the house, he prototyped with Legos and bottle caps before landing on his final invention made from the wheels of an old suitcase. At the market, he will be selling kits of fidget spinner pieces complete with assembly instructions.
Quail recommends that Brookings residents stop by the market to see all of the creative products and services for themselves.
“Brookings is known as a very entrepreneurial community, and that mindset starts with our kids,” she said. “Who knows where the next big idea will come from?”
For more information about the market, contact Quail at 697-8103.
