NEWS RELEASE
VEGFEST GUELPH
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Vegfest Guelph 2016 is happening on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, Goldie Mill Park and the Navy League Hall (75 Cardigan Street).
We are gearing up for another great festival, one that’s promising to be even bigger and better the third time around – we are expecting 5000+ attendees this year!
Highlights of this year’s festivities
A great line-up of speakers in the Guelph Youth Music Centre auditorium, including:
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Sonia Faruqi – author of Project Animal Farm; discussing her observations, insights, and ideas for changing the lives of farm animals
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Fraser Bayley – telling his story of going from being a butcher to becoming a vegan advocate and body builder;
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Robert Grillo – founder of Free From Harm; presenting the most common food fictions and revealing the powerful forces of popular culture that inform our food choices
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Calvin Neufeld – co-founder of Suffering Eyes Project; speaking about the paradox of hope(lessness) in an indifferent world.
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Derek Walter and Steve Jenkins – dads of the social media sensation Esther the Wonder Pig and founders of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary (located near Campbellville) will share their amazing story and discuss their new book
A Children’s Fun Zone featuring activities provided by the Children’s Art Factory, a bouncy castle, and a musical entertainer.
Outdoor music and cooking demos at Goldie Mill Outdoor Garden Stage featuring a talented line-up of local performers and food gurus.
A great variety of over 70 vendors and exhibitors including many food vendors selling delicious vegan cuisine.
Local food sellers include Lemongrass, Magnolia Catering, Laza Catering, Diwa Indian Cuisine, Rawlicious, ReFresh Juice Co., Fairly Frosted Bakery, Cadence, the new vegan restaurant Boon Burger, as well as several out of town food purveyors.
An educational area called ‘Get Vegucated’ where those interested can learn more about the ethical considerations behind our food choices.
A dog comfort station. In an effort to make our event dog-friendly we’ll be providing fresh water and treats at a canopied comfort station.
Dog-sitting will also be available for friendly dogs by donation with all proceeds going to the Guelph Humane Society so that people with dog friends can check out the indoor vendors and talks and/or avoid having to take them into the crowded areas around Goldie Mill.
A Wellness Area featuring yoga and Thai massage by local practitioners who will be passing on any donations for their services to animal rescues.
Several waste reduction initiatives including:
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we are asking everyone to bring their own reusable dishware
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a dish-rinsing station with soap and scrub brushes will be available
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a limited supply of reusable sporks and plates (made from 100% recycled plastic) will be available to purchase at our Merch Table
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three recycling stations located throughout the festival, monitored by volunteers
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City of Guelph’s Water Wagon available on the premises for water bottle re-fills
Vegfest Guelph 2016 is for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike
It’s free to attend ($2 suggested donation), with an emphasis on fun and food! This year we are being generously sponsored by Booch Organic Kombucha, The Stone Store, Rawlicious Guelph, Vitamix Canada, and Snapd who are branding various festival areas.
Organized by a small group of Guelphites, Vegfest Guelph 2016 will highlight how easy and tasty it is to choose healthier, more sustainable and kinder foods.
More details can be found at vegfestguelph.ca. For the latest news follow @vegfestguelph on Facebook and Twitter. Please use #vegfestguelph to follow along with us on social media.
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