Area 57 - May 3, 2025

At Area 57 you will be able to get an inside look at all things Drone & Robotics, with Warren Community College. The Uncrewed Systems program that has been in developement since 2017 and is one off Warren County's best kept secrets.

The opportunities it provides are life altering. Above and Beyond, and the argument could be made, out of this world with what they have on the horizon. Come explore Area 57

Tentative Schedule

Area 57 doors will open at 9:30 am with the Combat Robot Wreckage. The competition will be held in the gymnasium of Warren Tech School.

The event is free for students, veterans and seniors (with proper ID) and Adults, $5. Parking is free. We suggest reserving your spots as space may be limited for the indoor activities as well as supplies for activities!

Use the entrance Warren Tech and look for directions to the John La Porta Theatre entrance.

Stop by the theatre throughout the day to watch some space movies.

Use this map for the Warren County Timeline of Technology Scavenger Hunt.

PDF

Food Trucks will be on premises.

9:30 - 11 am

Curious about Hot Air Ballooning?

Learn all about balloons with RE/MAX. Walk inside a cold inflated hot air balloon, for some photo ops. Ask questions of real balloon pilots and crew! (Weather Permitting)

9:30 am - 2:30 pm

First Robotics Competition robots on display.

Team 56 from Bound Brook, is a very active FRC team and will have their robot on dispaly and be able to answer questions / do demonstrations. To learn more about the team, visit them at www.team56.com.

Team Impact 219 from Washington's own Warren Hills High will not only be there with their robot but with their Pumpkin Slinging Trebuchet.

Meet the Easton RoboRovers FIRST Robotics Team # 8117. They are based in Easton, PA with a team of 20 creative students who build 120 pound robots for competition. They proudly finished their third year of competition with a Creative Design Award at Mount Olive High School and as finalists at Warren Hills High School. This is their second year at Area 57 and are excited to be part of it!

9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Combat Robot Wreckage - Warren Tech gymnasium (school adjacent to the College)

Participants:

- Check in for participants 8 am

- Competition starts at 10 am and runs through 5:30 pm or later

Public can watch the combat as well as speak with the participants to learn about becoming involved.

Up to 55 robots will be accepted. Ants, Plants & Beetles

Public:

- Doors open at 9:30 am. Combat starts at 10 am. Watch 1 lb. and 3 lb. robots fight in 3 minute bouts. Participants will be set up at work stations around the gymnasium, and they are always willing to talk to you about the world of Robots. Be prepared to be sucked in.

10 am - 12 am

Moon-Rocket Tent

Build a rocket at the Moon-Rocket tent (free and as supplies last). Test fire the rocket you build! Three different types of rockets for different age levels and abilities!

10 am - 4 pm

Build a Balloon

Would you like to know about all the different parts of a balloon and how they are put together? Pilot Keith will have several baskets to show, and even an actual hot air balloon he has been working on building! See how the fabric is fit together to make these magical and colorful aircrafts!

10 am - 4:30 pm

Fascination Place

Enjoy crafts, STEM puzzles & toys and other activities at the Fascination Place children's activity area.

10 am - 5 pm

Warren UAS On Display

Stop by the Tent and check out the following drones.

Sensefly Ebee X

Agras T-30 (display)

Agras T-10 (Demo at 1:45 pm)

Skydio X10 Thermal (Demo at 3 pm)

Warren Community College is dedicated to the advancement of UxS education. We offer an Associate degree in UxS Systems. AUVSI TOP Level 3 Training Provider, ASTM Certified, FAA CTI member, COW for BVLOS, OOP, Multiple Drones, and TOP 3 RPI instructors. Students get hands-on training on most advanced systems in the industry in air, maritime, and ground environments.

Staff will be on hand to explain how drones will revolutionize agriculture and live flight demos of advanced drones for agriculture and critical infrastructure inspection will occur at the event.

1:45 - 2:30 pm

Drone Demos with Warren UAS

Agras T-10 Demo - focused on agriculture and their Precision Ag program.

2 - 4 pm

Moon-Rocket Tent

Build a rocket at the Moon-Rocket tent (free and as supplies last). Test fire the rocket you build! Three different types of rockets for different age levels and abilities!

2:30 - 4 pm

Curious about Hot Air Ballooning?

Learn all about balloons with RE/MAX. Walk inside a cold inflated hot air balloon, for some photo ops. Ask questions of real balloon pilots and crew!

3 - 3:45 pm

Drone Demo

Skydio X10 Thermal Demo - focused on inspections.

3 - 3:30 pm

Balloon Crewing 101

Learn how to get involved with hot air ballooning. Most pilots start as Crew. What does that mean? Come learn all about it on the Balloon Port.

4:00 - 5:30 pm

Bean Bag Target Practice

Did you design a bean bag at the Fascination Place? It's time to meet at the big orange "x" on the Balloon Port and test your skill at some target practice. Win prizes and if the weather is cooperative, take a trip up in the balloon and give us your best shot! Your pilot, Kelly HIlberth, is going to two National Competitions and she will give you all the ins and outs of tossing your bag.

If you would like to support Kelly with her trips to nationals click here.

4:30 - 6:00 pm

Balloon Tethered Rides ($$) (Weather Permitting)

Purchase tickets in advance here. Please read details carefully before purchase.

5:30 pm

Special Shape and suspected alien Fred G Monster Hot Air Balloon invades. (Weather Permitting)

6:00 pm

Balloon Pilots do a Fly Out for a grand finale! (Weather Permitting)