The BG Thrift Fest is a BGSU Fashion Merchandising student’s pushback against fast fashion.
The sale of gently used clothing, accessories and other arts and craft items from more than 20 vendors will be held in the Greenery behind Eden Fashion Boutique, 186 S Main St., Bowling Green, Saturday, Sept. 16, from noon to 5 p.m.
Meara Holden, a third-year BGSU student from Bowling Green, said the Thrift Fest is an outgrowth of a secondhand clothing account that she and her roommates ran on social media on which they sold to fellow BGSU students and Bowling Green community members.
In an e-mail to BG Independent, Holden wrote: “We are all passionate about fighting fast fashion (inexpensive clothing produced rapidly to cater to new trends, commonly made poorly and has a short lifespan), and love to go thrift shopping. Unfortunately, overconsumption is an issue whether it be fast fashion or thrifting, and like most people, we had plenty of clothing we wanted to give to a new home for a reasonable price.”
But fulfilling orders item by item became too much of a chore given their schoolwork and jobs. Holden came up with the in-person sale.
She reached out to Kati Thompson, owner of Eden Fashion Boutique, because the shop has its own re-sale program, as well as the large lawn area in the rear of the store.
She was surprised by the support from vendors, many BGSU students. All had to apply to participate in the event.
“All vendors will be supplying their own clothing and accessories to sell,” she wrote. “We will even have a few small businesses present who will be selling handcrafted jewelry, crocheted items, art, and more.
Many of the vendors have booths at farmers markets, flea markets, festivals, as well online on websites such as Depop, Poshmark, and Etsy.
“I’ve grown up attending local events downtown such as Black Swamp Arts Festival, Firefly Nights, and Rally BG on Main, so I know how powerful it can be to have those events that bring the Bowling Green campus and community together,” Holden wrote. “I hope that this event can have a similar impact, and potentially become a recurring event!”
