YACHATS — Because Yachats’ first “Share Fair” in June was a hit, organizers are planning a sequel for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15.
The public is welcome sample an array of free goods and services in the parking lot of Yachats Community Presbyterian Church. The event will offer haircuts, massages, pet check-ups, acupuncture, clothing, home goods and more. The services are provided for free by professionals in the Yachats-Waldport area.
Sponsored by the church and Don’s Place, the homeless shelter on church property, the event is “open to everyone — not just the unhoused,” said Sally Pravel, one of the fair’s four organizers and a Don’s Place board member.
All services and goods will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Live music and free hot dogs, cupcakes and coffee will be part of the fair. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved inside the church.
“We had a steady stream of people at our first Share Fair,” Pravel said. “We served over 50 lunches, provided 16 haircuts, had at least 20 pet check-ups performed by a veterinary technician, and gave away lots of clothing, footwear, toys, reading glasses (courtesy of the Yachats Lions Club) and home items.”
Apart from sharing free goods and services, the purpose of the fair was to help people connect with others in the community. “The best part of our first fair was people mingling. It was definitely not an ‘Us and them’ situation. It was kind of joyful.”
With the arrival of cooler weather, the biggest needs for donations are new or clean, gently used items such as rain ponchos and emergency blankets/sleeping bags, waterproof jackets and footwear, warm hats and clothing. High-demand household goods include towels, bedding and kitchenware, such as pots and pans but not large items like furniture or appliances. Personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant are also welcomed, along with children’s toys.
Donations may be dropped off at the Presbyterian church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The contact there is Barbara Loza-Muriera, a church staffer and Don’s Place Committee Member. Alternatively, those who use Facebook can send a private message to Sally Pravel’s page. Anyone who would like to offer services or get more information may call Pravel at 541-517-3625.
“We urge anyone interested to join us for music and lunch, and to meet some neighbors outside your usual group,” she said.
Who was the hair stylist there? She did a great job! Love my haircut!