Final ‘Fix-it Fair’ to be held at David Douglas High

See why the first Fair of the season in Parkrose foretells what you’ll find at their last event of the season …

City of Portland Office of Planning & Sustainability Outreach Coordinator Bill Beamer and Conservation Specialist Pam Neild welcome a visitor to the season’s first Fix-it Fair at Parkrose High School in November.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When the first Portland “Fix-it Fair” came and went on November 23 at Parkrose High School, hundreds of neighbors came, learned and left with information and ideas. But, you still have the opportunity to participate in their final fair on February 22.

“This is our 27th annual Fix-it Fair season,” remarked City of Portland Office of Planning & Sustainability Outreach Coordinator Bill Beamer, in the Parkrose High commons.

Dozens of community partners share information; many also offer helpful giveaways.

Hazelwood Neighborhood Association Chair of the Arlene Kimura volunteers to tell visitors about the efforts of the East Portland Neighborhood Office coalition.

“The idea always has been that we invite the community to come to this free event,” Beamer explained, “and to be able to connect with resources to save them money, energy, and live healthier.”

Beamer said they were happy to bring this longtime Portland tradition back to Parkrose, and were looking forward to ending their season in outer East Portland.

“At this event, there are 59 exhibitors,” Beamer pointed out. “We also have 35 workshops.”

Helping visitors locate resources close to their residences is one of the services that vendors provide at their booths as PDOT Ambassador Sonia Connolly does for Michael Viola.

Community Energy Project Weatherization Workshop Coordinator Cass Cole shows her workshop participants how make temporary “storm windows.”

Community Energy Project Weatherization Workshop Coordinator Cass Cole was showing participants ways to stay warm and save money by better sealing their homes.

In the main exhibit area, community partners offered experts who talk, one-on-one, with attendees about water and energy savings, personal health and healthcare, food and nutrition, community resources, recycling and yard care, lead testing, and other topics. Many of the vendors were providing free materials for visitors to take home and use.

Henry Yuen of Bikes for Humanity PDX gives this bicycle a safety check.

Yes, there is such a thing as a “free lunch” – and it’s provided at all Fix-it Fairs! Ready to serve are Parkrose Broncos Kevin Chen, Sarah Li, Erin Appel, Owen Elliott, and Arnold Nguyen.

“The best part about Fix-it Fairs,” Beamer told East Portland News, “It’s all free! This includes free professional childcare, and a free lunch, too.”

This year’s last Fix-it Fair will be on February 22, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., at David Douglas High School, 1001 135th Ave.

For more information, see the official Fix-it Fair webpage: CLICK HERE.

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