A new community repair event coming to BARN will allow Bainbridge residents to fix broken household items with help from skilled volunteers. The free Fix-it Fair, a partnership between BARN, Kitsap County Solid Waste Division, Sustainable Bainbridge, and the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, aims to reduce waste while helping people learn valuable repair skills.

Many items end up in landfills due to simple problems that can be fixed. These repair events demonstrate that fixing things is often easier than people expect, especially with some guidance and the right tools.

Similar events across Kitsap County have drawn nearly 100 participants, each bringing items ranging from broken lamps and toasters to damaged jewelry and malfunctioning electronics. Volunteer fixers work alongside item owners, explaining the repair process and sharing troubleshooting tips.

At the upcoming event, community members can bring up to two items for repair, such as small appliances, lamps, electronics, jewelry, clothing, computers, and other household items. Repairs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and owners must be present during the repair process.

The event goes beyond simple fixes – it’s about empowering people with knowledge. When participants learn why their items stopped working and how to fix them, they gain confidence to tackle future repairs independently.

The Fix-it Fair will be held in BARN’s Great Room on March 1 from 11 AM – 2 PM. Participants should bring clean items along with any relevant manuals or parts. While successful repairs cannot be guaranteed, the event offers a valuable opportunity to learn about repair techniques and potentially extend the life of household items.

For more information about Fix-it Fairs, visit http://kcowa.us/fixitfairs or contact repair@kitsap.gov.