Minnesota Inventor's Congress

By: © Nelson Taylor 2008

Festival Location: Redwood Falls, MN, USA

Festival State: Minnesota Festivals

Festival Type(s): Inventors Conventions, Bizarre Festivals

This is billed as "The Worlds Oldest Annual Invention Convention." Every June since 1957, both well-patented and amateur idea men and women have gathered to display their working models/prototypes to would-be investors, manufacturers, marketers and the general public. These men and women are the equivalent to independent filmmakers trying to cash-in on a Blair Witch blockbuster.

Recent inventions on exhibit have been the Soft Touch Mouse, a computer mouse which is activated by the foot; the LPFIS, which is a liquid propane-fueled engine for vans and trucks; and the Sport Rebounder, which helps kids practice sports like soccer. A weekend pass for the public goes for $10. Daily rates are $5.