This past Saturday, BARN was buzzing with activity as we hosted our first-ever Fix-It Fair, bringing together skilled volunteers and community members in the spirit of repair and sustainability. The event—a collaborative partnership between BARN, Kitsap County Solid Waste Division, and Sustainable Bainbridge, with generous support from the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island—was a resounding success.

Our Metal Fabrication Studio and Tech Lab opened their doors for the day, with several additional BARN members and studio leads joining Kitsap County’s experienced crew of fixers. Together, this team of 20 dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to assess, troubleshoot, and repair items that might otherwise have ended up in landfills.

The community response was remarkable: 73 neighbors brought in over 85 items seeking a second chance at life. From lamps, bikes, and small appliances to electronics and cherished keepsakes, each item came with its own story and a hopeful owner.

So how did we do?

By the end of the day, our repair statistics told an encouraging story:

  • 52 items successfully repaired (61% repair rate)
  • 15 items identified as repairable once missing parts are obtained (18%)
  • 9 items that had reached their end of life (11%)
  • 8 items without final status (10%)

More than just numbers, these results represent real waste diverted from landfills, resources conserved, and meaningful connections made between community members and the volunteers who shared their knowledge and skills.

The Fix-It Fair was about more than just fixing broken things. Throughout the day, volunteers demonstrated repair techniques, shared troubleshooting tips, and encouraged participants to learn basic repair skills they could apply at home. Many visitors toured BARN’s facilities for the first time, discovering the creative community and learning opportunities available through our studios.

Special thanks to everyone who participated—the dedicated volunteers who shared their time and expertise, the community members who brought their treasured items, and the partners who made this event possible.