Eugene, Oregon – The city of Eugene is preparing to host a vibrant celebration of sustainable fashion, local artistry, and community connection with the fifth annual Founded Fest. This popular event, co-hosted by the vintage store Founded and the City of Eugene’s sustainability department, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 8th, at the heart of the city’s gathering space: the Farmers Market Pavilion.
Originating with just 26 vendors in its inaugural year, Founded Fest has seen substantial growth, expanding its footprint to include 57 diverse vendors in addition to dedicated food booths for the upcoming iteration. The festival serves as a key moment in Eugene’s cultural calendar, drawing together enthusiasts of vintage apparel, proponents of eco-friendly practices, and local creatives.
Celebrating Vintage and Local Artistry
A central pillar of Founded Fest is its extensive offering of vintage clothing. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore collections from over 35 vintage clothing vendors traveling from across Oregon. The selection promises a wide spectrum of styles and eras, ranging from popular Y2K pieces to rare finds dating back to the pre-1970s. This focus on vintage not only celebrates historical fashion trends but also promotes a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, giving garments a second life.
Beyond vintage resale, the event provides a platform for contemporary local talent. Approximately a dozen local artists will be present, showcasing their original clothing creations. This integration of both past and present design highlights the continuous evolution of fashion within a community context. A dynamic fashion show is also slated to be a part of the day’s activities, offering vendors and artists a chance to display their curated selections and original designs on a runway.
The Sustainability Hub: The Fix-It Fair
Underscoring the event’s commitment to sustainability, the Founded Fest will once again host a free Fix-It Fair. This initiative directly addresses textile waste and encourages repair over disposal. Volunteers with expertise in various mending techniques will be available to provide on-the-spot repairs.
The Fix-It Fair is designed to help extend the lifespan of cherished items, covering repairs for clothing, leather goods, and jewelry. Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one item per participant to ensure as many attendees as possible can benefit from the free repairs. This hands-on component educates the public on the value of repair skills and fosters a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and durability.
Community Engagement and Growth
The partnership between the locally-owned vintage store Founded and the City of Eugene’s sustainability department is instrumental to the event’s success and its alignment with broader community goals. This collaboration highlights how local businesses and municipal efforts can converge to promote sustainable living and community well-being. The significant increase in vendor participation, from 26 in the first year to 57 this year, reflects the growing interest in and importance of such community-focused, sustainability-driven events.
The festival also serves as a point of connection for other valuable community resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with representatives from the ToolBox Project, a local initiative that facilitates tool lending, further emphasizing resource sharing and community-supported activities that reduce consumption and promote self-sufficiency.
The Vision Behind Founded
The Founded Fest is a testament to the vision of its founder, Michaels, the 23-year-old owner of the vintage store Founded. His initiative to create this event stemmed from a passion for vintage fashion and a desire to build a stronger, more sustainable community in Eugene. The festival’s growth and increasing impact are indicative of his entrepreneurial spirit and the resonance of the event’s core values with the local population.
Founded Fest and its accompanying Fix-It Fair represent more than just a marketplace; they are a community gathering centered around shared values of sustainability, creativity, and mutual support. By bringing together vintage sellers, local artists, repair experts, and community organizations, the event encourages mindful consumption and celebrates the rich tapestry of Eugene’s local culture and environmental consciousness. As the city prepares for June 8th, anticipation is building for what promises to be another successful and impactful day at the Farmers Market Pavilion.
