Need a Household Item Repaired? Stop by the Fix-It Fair Saturday, March 7 at the BARN; Not Far Away You Can Check out the Spring Clothes Swap March 8 at the Filipino American Hall
Got a broken lamp gathering dust? A small appliance that stopped working? A beloved piece of jewelry in need of repair? Before you toss it in the trash, bring it to the community Fix-It Fair on Saturday, March 7, from 10 AM – 1 PM.
This free community repair event is back for its second year, thanks to a partnership between Sustainable Bainbridge and BARN, with support from Kitsap County Solid Waste Division and Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island.
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Last year’s inaugural Fix-It Fairs brought together 20 skilled volunteers who tackled over 135 items for 123 neighbors. The results were impressive: 61% of items were successfully repaired on the spot, while another 18% were identified as repairable once missing parts were obtained.
How It Works
Space is limited, so register now and let us know what you plan to bring, whether it be small appliances, clothing, lamps, vacuums, jewelry, or small electronics, then head to the Great Room at BARN the morning of the event. Experienced fixers will attempt repairs on a first-come, first-served basis while sharing their knowledge with you. You’ll need to check in at the welcome table and stay present during repairs.
Make sure your items are clean and bring along any relevant manuals or parts. Fixers will work on one item at a time, and if time allows, you can rejoin the line with your second item.
Volunteers Needed
Organizers are looking for fixers and apprentices (ages 14+ or accompanied by an adult) to join their repair crew. Whether you have expertise in electronics, textiles, small appliances, or general troubleshooting, your skills can help keep items out of landfills while teaching others valuable repair techniques. Contact Heather at hdowey@gmail.com to sign up as a volunteer.
Bring a friend and help spread the word about this free event. “Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable community through the power of repair,” emphasize Fix-it Fair backers.
“Swap, Don’t Shop” is the mantra driving sustainable fashion efforts on Bainbridge Island, where residents have celebrated creative reuse since 2016.
The movement began with the Trashion Fashion Show, featuring wearable art made from items destined for landfills. The initiative has since morphed to include workshops, runway shows and exhibitions through ReFashion Bainbridge, a program under the wing of Sustainable Bainbridge.
Following successful events in March 2023, March 2024 and March 2025 that drew more than 100 participants, the next clothing swap is scheduled for Sunday March 8 at the Filipino Hall, 7566 High School Road NE.
Spanak, Dawn Synder and other event organizers encourage potential participants to “clean your closets of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and scarves you’re no longer using, and bring only those items that you would give your best friend to the Filipino Hall on Saturday, March 7, between 12 and 4 p.m.” (Torn or stained clothing, footwear, hats, jewelry, socks, undergarments, swimwear, and sleepwear will not be accepted.) New this year is a shoe department. Backers ask that people donate shoes with no holes or stains
For more information, visit refashionbainbridge.org.
Shop Sunday March 8, 12-2:30 and bring some minor mending to keep wearing your favorite clothes.
Source Materials: Fix-it Fair, information, photos and graphics courtesy of the BARN; Re-Fashion information and graphic courtesy of Sustainable Bainbridge.
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