Revy Re-Fest founder Leah Evans is ready to help residents new and old find ways to repurpose, reuse and recycle items otherwise destined for the town landfill and recycling centre. Revy Re-Fest will run May 25 and 26 with family-friendly crafts, fashion shows and workshops focused on learning how to keep waste out of the land.
“We’re a town that loves our outdoors,” Evans, professional skier and Patagonia ski ambassador told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “I think this event fits perfectly with goals everyone has when they move here or grow up here.”
Revy Re-Fest has been a long time coming, with Evans mulling over the idea for some years before pinning down the initial plans and approaching Patagonia. The outdoor clothing and gear business was eager to support the new event, and Revy Re-Fest was born.
“I’ve lived here for 13 years,” Evans said. “I’ve met so many cool people who know how to fix things, repair things and get a couple more years out of their gear. I want to connect folks to them.”
While Evans doesn’t think there was a particular lightning-in-the-bottle moment that sparked the idea for Revy ReFest, her aim to divert usable items away from the landfill was an easy partner to her love of creating spaces for the community.
“It’s really cool to help people spread those wings and just really learn some cool skills.”
Re-Fest attendees will have a chance to learn how to repair a range of household appliances at the Repair Cafes running both days of the festival, where knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to lend their skills or their knowledge. No gas-powered appliances are allowed, but Evans is sure a wide range of items will still find a second life at the Repair Cafe.
Outdoor gear repair and clothing mending will also be available at the Repair Cafes. If items truly have seen their final days, a clothing swap and shop will be running alongside a book swap, bike swap and trunk sale on Sunday. Saturday will be highlighted with local salon Birch & Lace’s beloved Trashion Show, a long-running event that jumped at the opportunity to partner with Revy Re-Fest.
“They reached out to partner with us this year, and it was a great match.”
After the Trashion Show, Revy Re-Fest attendees can catch the premiere of Patagonia film, Shitthropocene, focusing on the effects of fast fashion and the general clothing industry.
Along with vendors selling crafts made with repurposed items, Sugar Shack providing ice cream with fruit picked from local sources and a Printing with Plants workshop, attendees will also get to explore hands-on crafts for the whole family.
“Even if you’re not entirely sure what it’s all about, just come and cruise through,” Evans encouraged. “You might get sucked into something and find another skill to use. I hope people really embrace it and it becomes a part of the community.
Revy Re-Fest takes place Saturday, May 25 outside the Sugar Shack and Sunday, May 26 at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Some events require registration online at www.re-fest.com. Interested in volunteering? Volunteers will help set up, facilitate and tear down events. Those with specific repair skills can sign up to aid in the Repair Cafes. Those interested in general volunteer positions can sign up on the Revy Re-Fest website. Those able to help with the Repair Cafe can email [email protected].
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