Saturday is Geek Day at Leeward

geek • n. \ˈgēk\ 1. a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake; 2. a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked; 3. an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity.

“Geek” is the simple label I most commonly apply to myself, although I hope the third definition above is the one that most people think I mean. (For the record, I have no problem with chickens.) No, I won’t say that the geek shall inherit the earth, but the geek is definitely having a good run.

This Saturday brings the fifth annual “Geek Day” at Leeward Community College. The college is making it one of the tentpoles of its celebration of National CTE Month, Leeward’s CTE programs even lauded by Gov. David Ige earlier this month.

I’m glad to see LCC embrace “Geek Day,” which started in 2009 as a joint event with the Hawaii Macintosh & Apple User Society (HMAUS). It was a cozy gathering back then, but it’s grown into something much bigger.

Free and open to the public, “Geek Day” offers free workshops on technology and today’s digital lifestyle. There are several scheduled sessions covering the day’s hottest topics, from “Drone Zone” to “Wearable Tech.” Photography is always a popular track, and there will be sessions offering photography tips and tricks, covering Photoshop and other photo editors, and even exploring Instagram. Many sessions are directed at educators, non-profit groups, and small businesses.

Throughout the day, a “Digital Cafe” will be open with demos (from 3D printers to robotics), one-on-one computer help, and power outlets to charge your devices. And for lunch, several food vendors will set up on site.

And if that’s not enough, there will be door prizes.

“Geek Day” runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration opening at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit the “Geek Day” website.