On November 30, the Alameda County Fairgrounds came alive with the second annual Thrift Fest, a vibrant event held from 1-6 PM that showcased over 175 booths across two buildings. Featuring an eclectic mix of clothes, jewelry, and unique toys, the event provided a platform for small businesses to present their goods to the Pleasanton community.
“There’s so many vendors here. I was really surprised when I walked in. There are so many different pieces of clothing and vendors selling different things. It’s really cool to see everything,” said shopper Katie Smith.
Promoting Sustainability
For many attendees, Thrift Fest was more than just a shopping event—it was a step toward sustainability. In contrast to fast fashion, which often promotes wasteful consumption and contributes to environmental degradation, thrift shopping offers a way to dress stylishly while reducing one’s ecological footprint.
“You can find a lot of unique pieces that you can’t find in fast fashion stores. I also don’t like the whole fast fashion production, so thrifting is a lot better for the environment,” said Smith.
The event encouraged attendees to embrace up-cycling by giving pre-loved items a second chance at life.
“I think that thrifting helps recycling and reusing items instead of retaining the time that it will take them to enter the landfill and giving them a second opportunity,” said booth owner Ruby Garabay.
A Platform for Small Businesses
Thrift Fest also served as a launchpad for entrepreneurs, offering many their first opportunity to sell products to the public. Small business owners used the event to test their ideas and gain valuable experience in showcasing their goods.
For others, Thrift Fest marked another milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. The event allowed seasoned business owners to expand their reach and connect with new customers.
“During COVID, I graduated, and the years that we were out of school, all I had to do was skate. So I was at the skate park more than I was actually in school. And, during that, my friends and I started throwing events. We started our own business, just setting up booths at events, and now we have a physical location,” said Rylan Chiang, owner of Second Avenue Skateboards.
Community Impact
Thrift Fest highlighted the value of sustainable shopping and community-driven entrepreneurship, resonating with both shoppers and vendors. As the event continues to grow, it promises to bring even more opportunities for small businesses while fostering a culture of sustainability and creativity.
With its mix of unique items, inspiring stories, and a focus on environmental consciousness, Thrift Fest has solidified its place as a cherished event for the Pleasanton community.
