Description

Nevada has Area 51. Warren County has Area 57!

If you are curious about life – after high school or looking to change careers – but are uncertain of your future, check out Area 57 and the Uncrewed Systems Programs.

Area 57 will be held in conjunction with Droning On, a regional Drone Education event organized and staffed by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) which will coincide with the FAA annual Drone Safety Day. Droning On is a free, three-day UAS community engagement event. The first day focuses on education, the second day is for public safety and local government, and the third day is open to the general public. More information may be found at www.faa.gov/uas/events/droning-on.

Area 57 will showcase the college’s nationally acclaimed Uncrewed Systems Program, which teaches piloting, design and development, and the maintenance and repair of drones, as well as AI and robotics. Area 57 focuses on careers, education and fun – an important combination in life. The event will include other aviation and types of tech, like hot air balloons and robots, showcased at both the college and neighboring Warren County Technical School. Area 57 is looking for other groups focused on technology, aviation, education, and fun, to join up. Contact the college president’s office about setting up a booth to share your club information and knowledge, or demonstrate your business or hobby.

Warren offers the following programs, to help you get started in one of these industries.

• Associate of Applied Science in Uncrewed Systems – Learn to pilot drones and robots, and repair them.
• Option available for Precision Agriculture studies.
• Option available for Commercial Space Operations.
• Drone Pilot Certificate – Become an FAA-licensed Drone Pilot.
• Drone Repair & Maintenance Certificate – Learn how drones and robots work and how to repair them.

Activities Galore Planned For April 29

Warren Community College is also home to two popular Hot Air Balloon Festivals. Planned balloon activities for Area 57 are a presentation on How A Balloon Works. Get hands-on experience handling a balloon with RE/MAX of NJ. Walk inside an actual hot air balloon, that will be cold inflated with fans. Special shape hot air balloon, Fred G Monster, will also invade the event. The Thank You Balloon will also be making a stop on its USA tour. The Thank You Balloon is a project designed to perpetuate and inspire gratitude by flying a balloon inscribed with hundreds of handwritten thank you notes over towns and cities all across the globe.

Combat robots will face off in April Annihilation, featuring the Beetleweights, Plastic Ants, and Antweights. The new arena - dubbed Arena 57 and built with the support of the Warren Community College and Explore Warren County Tourism Partnership - will be set up next door along with other activities at Warren County Technical School.

The event is free for students, veterans and seniors. For other visitors, a suggested $5 donation is appreciated, but not required to attend. Donations will be applied to any event expenses and to help establish the newly formed Garden State Combat Robot League (GSCRL.org).

Food will be available for purchase.

To keep up-to-date on the full schedule of events, visit www.balloonfestnj.com. For more information on the event call or text organizer, Giulia Grotenhuis, at 908-283-0721, or via email at info@balloonfestnj.com.