Vendors sought for Iowa City Repair Fair and recycled craft fair

The upcoming Repair Fair in Iowa City encourages people to repair their broken items, rather than throw them away. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Love these events coming up in Iowa City! The first, from ECO Iowa City, is a Repair Fair that encourages people to repair their broken items, rather than throw them away. The other, hosted by the Salvage Barn, is a reuse-themed craft fair.

Jen Jordan, the City of Iowa City’s Recycling Coordinator, notes that Iowa City has numerous other activities coming up during Earth Month in April.

Find a list of all of those events here.

Read on for more information about the Repair Fair and recycled craft fair:

To encourage residents to repair rather than throw away broken items, the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center is hosting a Repair Fair to connect people who need things fixed with vendors or businesses who can handle the job. The Repair Fair will be held on Saturday, April 5 from noon to 5 p.m. at the East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd SE. The Repair Fair is part of Iowa City’s Earth Month activities.

Local vendors and businesses who offer various repair services are invited to participate. Desired vendors include people who can sharpen knives or other blades, fix small and/or large appliances, fix lamps, service or repair lawnmowers or snow blowers, repair clothes or shoes, repair clocks, reupholster or repair furniture, service and/or fix vacuum cleaners or sewing machines, repair window screens, or provide other similar services.

Vendors will be asked to share information about their services via a brochure, handout, business card, website, or other informational source. The vendor has the option to offer repair services to the public at the event or simply share information. Vendors are invited to work on small projects during the fair to showcase their services and skills, which may include items that visitors bring in and agree to have repaired for a fee established by the vendor.

There is no cost to participate in the Repair Fair. One 2′ x 6′ table and two chairs will be provided. A limited number of electrical outlets are available.

As part of the Repair Fair, Salvage Barn will be hosting a workshop with Iowa City Window and Door at 10 a.m. The workshop, “I’m Sure my Old House Just Needs a Hug,” will provide homeowners with information on the replacement of stiles and rails, glass, putty glazing, and functional components, such as pulleys, ropes, and weights.

Vendors will need to fill out a participation form and provide proof of general liability insurance. To get a form, visit www.icgov.org/esrc, e-mail jennifer-jordan@iowa-city.org or call 319/887-6160. Participation forms are due by Tuesday, April 1, at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Jennifer Jordan, City of Iowa City Recycling Coordinator, at 319/887-6160.

The Salvage Barn to host Craft Your Environment, a first annual reuse-themed craft fair

Here’s a snippet of some things to expect:

– Crafts that incorporate recycled & reclaimed materials

– Organic & heirloom seed giveaways

– Free workshops on gardening, composting, bike maintenance and DIY crafting

– Educational tours of our native prairie garden

– Recycling Relays for kids

– Sunflower seed planting

– Healthy & local food

WHEN: April 19, 10am-5pm