The Lego Challenge: “What Will YOU Make, Philadelphia?"

by David Schulman

Have you ever built something really impressive with LEGOs? I remember I built a huge dinosaur once out of red, brown and yellow blocks; it had flames coming out of the mouth and everything. Anyone who has done the same knows how much fun it is to create something from a pile of the Danish bricks, especially when your finished product is, for lack of a better word, cool. "What will you make?" is a challenge put out by LEGO to both young and old builders to see who can concoct the most awe-inspiring LEGO creation. The challenge will be posed in more than 200 cities, including 20 in the United States, and will face Philadelphians this weekend. Builders are encouraged to bring their wackiest and most creative designs to be judged in an Antiques Roadshow-style setting by certified LEGO judges and previous LEGO contests winners. These reverently titled MasterBuilders will offer advice, tips, tricks and secrets on creating their next LEGO masterpiece and will be building Philly-themed LEGO monuments during the event. They will also be available for one-on-one time. MasterBuilders, only 40 throughout the world, are specialized LEGO creators picked by the company to build, test and brainstorm new LEGO products as well as plan special LEGO builds such as the 6-foot-tall robot that is touring with the challenge. "We're in search of the next LEGO MasterBuilder," says Melissa Tribe, a LEGO spokesperson. MasterBuilder Kurt Zimmerle will be on hand, taking questions and critiquing creations at Penn's Landing during the event to see who has what it takes to become Philadelphia's next LEGO master craftsman.

The Lego Challenge: “What Will YOU Make, Philadelphia?", Fri., July 18, noon-5 p.m., and Sat.-Sun., July 19-20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m, free, Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd. and Walnut St., 1-800-422-5346.