Who Was Rube Goldberg and What is the Rube-Inator?

You might ask how I became a fan of Rube Goldberg. I don't know. You might ask how I became a fan of contraptions. I see them in movies, on TV, at art shows, at Maker Faires. I own some of his cartoon books. Maybe that's where I learned about him.

It's a long story, but since I became a fan, I've held classes and competitions in Rube Goldberg skills learning. I've supported teams and been on one.

Then I invented the Rube-Inator in the style of Rube Goldberg.

On Sunday November 15th, I am hosting the first Rube-Inator event. It is 'How to Host A Rube-A-Thon' and is co-located with the Rube-inator Rummage Sale.

I, Squigglemom, Trish Tsoiasue who invented the Rube-Inator will be onsite.

Mikal Thompson, who created the Rube-A-Thon format of competition for Rube Goldberg, will be onsite.

Mr. Pham, who supported the Mt. Westminster team from Orange County will be onsite.

Members of the Mt. Westminster team will be onsite.

This community-friendly event will run from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, regardless of what the flyers say.

It is advertised as an event for teachers and after school providers and parents and community members who want to coach a team, but everyone is invited.

You may register for the event by scanning the QR code on the flyer, or you may just show up.

For more information on Rube Goldberg activities for the 2026-2027 year, please contact me at patricia@makersvilleservices.org or see http://makersville.net or http://rubegoldberg.org.

We are pleased to have had the support of the Port of Long Beach and the Marathon Petroleum Corporation for this event.

We are also pleased to have the support of Sports Basement Long Beach for the Long Beach 2027 Rube A Thon and competition.