Submitted Photo Mario “the Maker Magician,” will be making a return to the Fredonia Mini Maker Faire held at SUNY Fredonia on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

“We can do no great things — only small things with great love.”

Mario Marchese’s humble approach to entertaining thousands upon thousands of children is best summed up by his favorite quote. It’s a mindset he’s lived by since he first decided to become a full-time magician twelve years ago.

“I believe that we all have a very specific purpose in this life and that we discover it by chasing our passions with child-like excitement,” Mario said. “As we master these passions, they can lead us to help people… help them be less afraid, or not to take life so seriously, to bring happiness wherever we go.”

Mario, better known as Mario “the Maker Magician,” spends several months a year traveling for performances. He has graced the set of “Sesame Street” and most recently opened for magician David Blaine for his 2018 live tour. Finding his purpose was never a question, but developing into the performer he is today was a craft all its own.

“For the first several years of my career, we stayed in the New York City area, honing my performance and building our brand,” Mario said. “It wasn’t until our children were born that we made the decision to expand into touring, three or four years ago.”

Mario will be making a return to the Fredonia Mini Maker Faire held at SUNY Fredonia on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Accompanying him will be old favorites like Marcel the Mechanical Monkey and Mr. Lamp the Robotic Lamp. Also with Mario, standing in his corner, will be his family: his wife, Katie; daughter, Gigi, 7, and son, Bear, 4. For the past four years he and his family have traveled together for all of his performances.

“We wouldn’t have it any other way. It may not be the easiest, or most economical, way to do things, but traveling together is an experience that bonds us,” Mario said. “We want our kids to have this education, to see all parts of our country and the world, to meet people of all different backgrounds, and to experience what our work means to us. For us, there is no separation between work and family. We are all in it together. We love what we do. It’s a lifestyle.”

An extension of his lifestyle can be found in the way he travels from show to show. Three years ago, Mario and his family purchased a 1971 VW bus to use when the weather permits. As a magician who prides himself on making and fixing his own materials, a bus that may or may not arrive to its destination in one piece seemed fitting.

“It is our tour vehicle of choice,” he said. “… No A/C, super slow, but there’s something about traveling through the country with the windows down, in a not-always-reliable vehicle, that makes the experience that much richer. You meet more people, you get outside more, you take more breaks and you breathe in your atmosphere.”

Mario will perform two free shows inside the SUNY Fredonia Science Center at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. In his off-time, more than likely, he’ll be soaking in the Fredonia Mini Maker Faire atmosphere, an event that prides itself on showcasing the same unique and creative thinking Mario displays in his show.

“We met so many amazing families last year, and the audiences made the shows really fantastic. We can’t wait to return, see some friendly faces and meet even more new friends,” Mario said, recalling last year’s Maker Faire. “Our kids loved Fredonia Mini Maker Faire last year, too … there was so much to see and do. The kids get to attend a ton of events with us throughout the year, but a few really stand out to them, and this was one of them.”

For anyone who has yet to experience Mario “the Maker Magician,” you can expect a show unlike any other. Mario infuses DIY electronics and robotics with magic to create an upbeat, high-energy and interactive show – “It’s Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin for the modern age, with a punk rock, mad inventor twist.”

“Mario epitomizes the fun and creativity of the Maker Movement. He was such a crowd favorite last year and we couldn’t wait to bring him back,” Fredonia Maker Faire Producer Jen Osborne-Coy said. “He is an amazing maker, entertainer and inspiration to anyone who has ever wanted to follow a passion.”

Since 2006, Mario has worked to bring joy to children and families in his own DIY-kind-of-way. What began with grassroots publicity and marketing efforts has evolved into a can’t-miss show sure to bring a smile to your face.

“When I perform in front of a group of children, I know in my heart of hearts that I am living out my purpose,” Mario said.

When he’s not on tour Mario and his family spend the majority of their time in Nyack, New York, a small bohemian village just north of New Yok City.

For more information on the Fredonia Mini Maker Faire visit www.fredonia.makerfaire.com.