June 10th, 2006--Team San Diego (TSD) Robotics held their second Student Robotics Showcase at the annual San Diego County Fair. The fair is a popular event in San Diego, drawing in 54,000 visitors every day over the summer. "Using this venue for our Student Showcase," explains Team 812 member, Summer Puente, "TSD is able to expose robotics and engineering to a wide range of people." This year, the showcase drew 2,000 in the audience.

In the showcase, TSD tries to imitate a real FIRST competition match for the audience. TSD members set up the mock-up field before the fair opens, and get their post-season robots ready for a last run. Over the long day, TSD robots continue to play matches while an emcee narrates the game. On the sides, TSD teams also put up informational booths about how to start a FIRST Robotics team and about their own Robotics team.

Team 812 members, Thien Nguyen and Trang Dinh, getting ready to drive their robot at the student showcase.

"My favorite part about today was probably the mascot dance-off" commented Team 812 member, Julian Hernandez. He is referring to the comical dance competition betweent two TSD mascots while there was a time-out in the game due to technical problems.

The Robotics Showcase at the San Diego County Fair continues to be an annual tradition for Team San Diego. Not only does the coalition get to spread the message of FIRST, students and mentors also are able to enjoy the festival atmosphere of their home city.