Friday, August 8, 2014
14-year-old inventor comes to Figpickels in Coeur d'Alene
Ever find yourself struggling to hold open a water balloon under the faucet?
This common summertime problem's been solved, thanks to Lexi Glenn, a young South Carolina inventor who dreamed up "the Pumponator" when she was in fourth grade. The portable device allows users to quickly and easily fill water balloons and tie them off. Toy stores around the world now stock her invention and it's won awards from Nickelodeon, the Today Show, and the Chicago Tribune.
Figpickels Toy Emporium of Coeur d'Alene is hosting Glenn, now 14, this weekend to speak about her invention, answer questions and sign the book she wrote about her experiences as a successful product inventor (Aug. 9, from 2-4 pm). Glenn's visit also benefits and promotes Invent Idaho, a program that encourages and recognizes students in grades 1-8 for their innovations. The program annually hosts three regional competitions across Idaho, ending with the Invent Idaho State Finals event in March.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, Figpickels is also putting on two family competitions, between 1-3 pm, to see who can blow up the most water balloons in three minutes and which team can toss a water balloon the greatest distance without breaking it. Both competitions offer prizes and "goodie boxes" for all entrants.
Proceeds from the purchase of Pumponators at Figpickels during the weekend's events, along with raffle donations, go to the Invent Idaho program.
