More than 72 tons of stuff went up for grabs at the second Squamish CAN Re-Use-It Fair and almost all of it was gobbled up by an eager public that took over the Rose Park parking lot on Saturday (Oct. 22).
According to Squamish CAN's Ana Santos, hundreds of interested treasure hunters stopped by and she was pleased by the response from the community.
"The success of the first fair back in April made us decide on a repeat of what we had originally planned as an annual event," she told The Chief. "We didn't know what to expect this time, with the two events just a few months apart, but it seems obvious that given the option, people want to do the right thing. We are ready for positive change and are leading by example both individually and collectively as a community."
The original fair was designed as a response to the news that the Squamish dump was being expanded and that the expansion may only be able to accommodate Squamish's waste for five more years. Santos said the success of the Re-Use-It Fair gives her hope that Squamish may try to be smarter about throwing things out.
"We are obviously learning to be responsible, not just over what we consume but in the way we dispose of our stuff too," she said.
The plan is for the fair to return in the spring and the fall of 2012. But Santos did say that Squamish CAN might be looking for a new location for the event.
"We may also need to change location, as we can foresee that the space that we have may soon not be enough," she said. "On this and any other issues, we welcome everybody's participation and input."
Santos said suggestions for the next fair are welcome and she can be contacted at [email protected].
The next big event for the group is the re-opening of Squamish Rebuild on Saturday (Oct. 29). Squamish Rebuild is a non-profit group that helps to provide the community with affordable new and used building supplies, fixtures and appliances.
The grand re-opening will feature refreshments, giveaways and a draw to win a $200 gift certificate. Everything in the store will be 50 per cent off for the opening, which takes place from noon to 4 p.m.
For more information on Squamish Rebuild, visit www.squamishrebuild.ca.
