Don’t toss it. Fix it. That’s the concept for a new “fix-it fair” that could take place this summer in Prince William County.
The idea: have residents bring their slightly damaged or unworking items to the fair, have them repaired, resulting in fewer items being tossed into the county landfill.
Deborah Campbell, with the Prince William County Solid Waste Division, says she’s seen this type of event held in other communities, mostly along the U.S. west coast. In Virginia, Campbell says a similar fair was held recently in Reston. A similar event could be replicated in Prince William County, she adds.
“We thought this was a great thing to do in this area to promote, re-use and repair,” said Campbell. When an item is fixed by one of their fixers, it can be reused by the owner or donated.
Organizers aim to fix broken jewelry, torn clothing, and repair small furniture, small electronics, umbrellas, and eyeglasses at the fair. One caveat, warns Campbell, is not everything can be fixed. “We want to set reasonable expectations,” she told Potomac Local News.
Organizers are still in the early planning stages of this event, and their primary goal right now is finding seven to 12 “fixers” with a wide variety of skills who will perform repairs. Afterward, they’ll identify the types of supplies they’ll need to fix each item at one of about eight workstations that will be set up at the fair.
“In a perfect world, we’ll be able to match a fixer’s expertise with a specific need. For example, a fixer with expertise in fixing clothing would be able to replace a zipper,” said Campbell.
Pope said the accommodations they are considering for this event can hold seven to eight workstations.
No date or venue has been announced for the potential fix-it-fair, although organizers would like to see the event take place this summer. If successful, a fix-it-fair could happen two to three times per year, said Campbell.
Organizers are also seeking sponsors for the event, hoping to net companies that market to the do-it-yourself community. Whether or not the event is free to attend will depend upon whether or not a corporate sponsor is secured.
“We are looking for companies who market to the DIY community,” says Pope, “We would like this event to be free, but that is dependent upon sponsorship.”
The Prince William County Solid Waste Division is working with the nonprofit Keep Prince William Beautiful to organize the event. The division also hosts an annual Recycles Day and paper shredding events.
Recent Stories
After a sweltering weekend that brought heat index values over 100 and a heat advisory, today feels like a slight relief. Highs will reach the low 90s, but lower humidity and fewer storms will make conditions feel more manageable.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools’ new travel policy for Board members grew out of budget-busting traveling expenses and concerns about transparency.
Approximately 150 people attended a fundraiser at the Harris Pavilion in downtown Manassas on Sunday, July 27, 2025, to support food assistance programs in the greater Prince William County area….
As Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) prepare for the first day of school on August 12, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman introduced a group of new administrators who will be stepping into key leadership roles across the division.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
