By Kate Bartlett
Come out and celebrate healthy living at the 8th annual WNY VegFest at Buffalo RiverWorks (359 Ganson Street) August 7th from 12-6pm. Join the exploration and celebration of a plant-based lifestyle with vegan food, vendors, drinks, yoga, renowned speakers, animal sanctuaries, cooking demos and kid-friendly activities. The event is free, and open to all.
This event has been growing steadily since its inception 8 years ago. It has grown from 30 vendors in Delaware Park, to over 50 vendors with an impressive crowd reaching over 8,000 attendees. Vendors travel from as far as South Carolina and California to participate in the event, as it has become one of the largest healthy lifestyle festivals in the region.
Buffalo and the surrounding area have seen an explosion of interest in health, compassion and plant-based eating over the past few years. The region is evolving with the times as we learn more about the many benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle. The benefits of a vegan lifestyle go far beyond just personal health. Not only is eating plants the healthiest and most sustainable for our bodies, but it’s the most sustainable option for our earth as well. We’re learning more about the environmental impact and even cost benefits of going plant-based. And don’t forget the animals! The area has become more ‘Veg-friendly’ as most local restaurants offer vegan options in addition to vegetarian choices. Plant based ice creams have been increasingly popular, and they’re readily available at most ice cream shops and plentifully stocked at most grocery stores.
VegFest WNY is a volunteer based 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been promoting and celebrating a vegan/plant-based lifestyle since 2013. Their work is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and encouraging a vegan diet for improving health, expanding compassion and taking greater care of our environment. The community has enthusiastically embraced this message as thousands gather to support and attend every year.
Co-Founder Sara DeLano, Vice President Rachel Pawelski along with Jill Favata Chair of Activities and Organization, remain committed to the organization and continue to work tirelessly on a great lineup this year. Speakers include internationally known Tim Kaufman of Fatmanrants, Penelope’s Place animal sanctuary owner Vanessa Dawson, Plant Soul Vegan chef and health advocate Oboseoye Ojeaga, as well as cooking demonstrations with local chef Maxine Grabowski.
“RiverWorks remains the ideal venue for this event as it allows us to safely accommodate a large amount of guests, while being outdoors, yet still having shelter over our heads. The venue is handicap accessible and the owners have been extremely accommodating and a pleasure to work with over the years. It is the perfect place for those who are “veg-curious” to check out the vendors and grab a drink at the bar while watching the game or taking in the sights along the Buffalo River.” The venue is even more family-friendly as they now offer a small midway with rides, including the Buffal-O Ferris Wheel along with their always popular ropes course, rock wall, and zipline adventure.
The festival is a great way to learn about a plant-based/vegan lifestyle, meet people, watch cooking demos just try tons of delicious vegan eats. From sweet cupcakes and cookies, to savory vegan buffalo wings, BBQ sliders and snacks, you sure won’t leave hungry! The event is family friendly with a new and improved Kids Corner with games and activities. There is no admission cost, and guests can attend speakers/demonstrations for free. Stop down to sample delicious food, grab some drinks, and hang out on Buffalo’s scenic waterfront. For tickets, full event schedule and more information on speakers and presenters, visit www.wnyvegfest.com and follow-on Facebook for updates or email wnyvegfest@gmail.com.