Held for the first-time last October, the Community Conservation and Repair Fair includes five expert-led workshops. More than 30 exhibitors and vendors will offer resources, information and purchasing information on reducing waste, saving energy and water, and health and wellness. LED light bulbs will also be available to buy, and the first 200 families in the door will receive a free swap bag with a water conservation kit and other prizes inside.

“We’re excited to host our second-ever conservation fair,” said Troy Builta, MHCC’s Mapping and Sustainability Specialist. “The move to the Yoshida Event Center reflects the growth and interest in this event. Plus, we’ll be using it to highlight the conservation and sustainability work occurring at the college over the summer and into the fall.”

The conservation event will feature a repair café organized by the City of Gresham and the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations. More than a dozen volunteers will be on-site to repair items for free. Suggested repairable items include bicycles; clothing and fabric goods; clocks, fans, vacuums, and small kitchen appliances; and VCRs, CD players and printers. No televisions, microwaves, or small engines.

“It’s our second year partnering with the college on this event,” said Shaunna Sutcliffe, public sustainability coordinator with the City of Gresham. “It’s a great opportunity to share information on the conservation, health and money saving resources that residents have access to.”

The MHCC Sustainability Committee, City of Gresham, and the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations organized the Community Conservation and Repair Fair. Event sponsors include Groundwork Coffee, NW Natural, and EnergyTrust of Oregon. Free snacks will be available.