All things vegan is happening in Guelph this Sunday as the third-annual Vegfest Guelph takes place.
From getting a Thai massage and hearing how a butcher became a vegan bodybuilder to learning how to whip up a tasty channa chaat salad with diced pear and apple — it's a one-stop spot for the vegan choice (as well as a great event for non-vegans).
From a crowd of roughly 1,000 a year ago to 5,000 last year, the event continues to grow, said event coordinator Christine Allard.
"This year we really don't know how many people will come. We're expecting 5,000-plus and it's supposed to be a beautiful day, so that should help," Allard said.
The event takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, Navy League Hall and Goldie Mill on Cardigan Street.
Among the offering are 85 vendors, musical acts, guest speakers, yoga classes, Thai massage, photo booth and dog-comfort area.
Allard said while the event is vegan, it's not just for vegans.
"It's for anybody and everybody. It's a celebration of all things vegan and certainly food is at the forefront," Allard said.
"Food and fun are the focus and there's also a lot of educational opportunities for those that want to learn more about food choices and just ethical considerations in general when it comes to animals."
Guest speakers include Sonia Faruqi (discussing her book Project Animal Farm), Robert Grillo (founder of Free From Harm), Fraser Bayley (telling his story from being a butcher to becoming a vegan advocate and body builder), Calvin Neufeld (co-founder of Suffering Eyes Project) and Derek Walter and Steve Jenkins (creators of Esther The Wonder Pig and founders of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary).
There's also a children's fun area.
"There's something for everybody. It's food that everybody can enjoy, regardless of whatever their current lifestyle or habits are. There's so much more choice now, vegan food is incredible," Allard said.
Vegfest Guelph is a free event with a $2 donation requested.
