Competitors in the LEGO Build-Off at Discovery World had two hours to sketch and build a LEGO set Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

PARKERSBURG – Discovery World on Market held its third annual LEGO Build-Off competition Sunday. Nearly 30 kids gathered on the fourth floor of Discovery World to put their imaginations to the test.

The event, originally scheduled for Jan. 25, had been rescheduled due to inclement weather and icy road conditions.

During the competition, competitors were provided with the theme upon arrival at their stations. The theme for this year’s build-off was “Bridges.” They were then given select time to sketch a design and prepare for two hours of concentrated and focused building.

“A lot of people look forward to this every time we put this event on and people always talk about how much fun they had so it’s not something we wanted to cancel,” said Discovery World STEAM Manager Logan Mace. “It’s also important to feed into the kids and communities that have an interest in building something.”

Prior to the event, parents could register their children who were K-12. Children had the option to compete as individuals or in teams of up to three in a group. The event also celebrated National LEGO Day which occurred Jan. 28.

Nearly 30 competitors participated in Discovery World on Market’s third annual LEGO Build-Off on Sunday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“We always listen to what people say, the experience the competitors have, the parents and their responses and we use that to guide and lead us for the next (event),” said Mace. “We’ve already learned some things that we want to alter for next year.”

Competitors worked diligently at their stations while parents and spectators were seated along the sidelines to observe the event. Many of the parents enjoyed watching their kids have fun.

Vienna residents Lindsay and Vinnie Conley heard about the event through Facebook and said their son, Pasquale, had always loved building LEGOs.

“We thought this would be a really cool, local opportunity for him,” said Lindsay.

She said they had heard about the event last year after it happened so they made sure to sign-up Pasquale to participate this year.

Competitors in the LEGO Build-Off at Discovery World on Market rush to the front of the stage to collect large LEGOs for their structures during the competition Sunday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“They started with four little trays of LEGOs and I think at some point they let the kids go up to get more bigger pieces but for right now they want the kids to figure it out by being resourceful,” said Lindsay.

As the competition progressed, the Conley’s sat back and enjoyed watching their son build his creation. Pasquale was fully locked into the competition, as were the other competitors.

“We have a room in our house just full of LEGOs,” said Vinnie. The couple said they were excited to see what their son came up with.

There were different award opportunities for kids to earn their trophies depending on age and group categories. The winners received a trophy and an opportunity to have their LEGO build on display. There was also a people’s choice award for the parents to decide on a winner.

Salem residents Travis and Jessica McCoy watched their kids Abigail and Finley work together to complete their LEGO build.

Abigail and Finley McCoy work as a team to build their LEGO structure during the third annual LEGO Build-Off at Discovery World on Market Sunday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“We really like this place (Discovery World) a lot and we try to come here as much as we can,” said Jessica.

The couple said they also found out about the event through Facebook and were excited the event included a wide age range.

They said their kids binge-watched LEGO Masters on TV and were really excited to participate.

“They’ve been doing exactly like what the contestants in the show were doing,” said Jessica.

The couple said they were really happy to see the event had been rescheduled and were looking forward to it all week.

Competitors work individually or in groups at the LEGO Build-Off at Discovery World on Market Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“I’m really happy they’re taking the time to bond with one another and collaborate,” said Jessica.

“They got so many LEGO sets for Christmas and I just enjoy watching them put it together,” said Travis.

Going along with the theme of the build-off, Discovery World partnered with the Parkersburg Bridge Partners as a sponsor for the event.

Mace said they’re excited to host more events for the community in the future.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com

Parents watch as their kids compete in the third annual LEGO Build-Off at Discovery World on Market Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Amber Phipps)