Discover the highlights of R.I. VegFest, an annual vegan food festival that brings together plant-based vendors, promotes sustainable practices, and fosters a sense of community among attendees.
R.I. VegFest: A Celebration of Veganism and Community
( Credit to: Browndailyherald )
This past weekend, R.I. VegFest took place at the WaterFire Arts Center in Rhode Island. The annual vegan food festival brought together over 85 plant-based and vegan vendors. The event has been happening every year since it was first organized in 2020 by co-organizer Robin Dionne.
Dionne, who has been vegan for 25 years, had the idea to host a VegFest in Rhode Island after attending similar events in Boston. She was initially concerned about the festival losing momentum due to the pandemic, but was pleasantly surprised by the response. People were eager to be in large crowds again, enjoying the company of friends and indulging in a big party atmosphere.
Creating Connections and Supporting Vegan Businesses
One of the goals of VegFest is to create connections between vegan businesses, both within and outside of Rhode Island. By participating in the festival, out-of-state vendors have the opportunity to build relationships with other vegan business owners and potentially have their products carried in local stores.
When selecting vendors for the festival, the organizers prioritize newer small businesses. The aim is to introduce attendees to new products and attract people from outside of Rhode Island who may not have visited before.
Meet the Vendors: Chef Jay's Vegan Cooking School
Among the vendors at the festival was Jason Authier, chef and owner of Chef Jay's Vegan Cooking School. Authier's main objective was to connect with the local vegan community and expand his business. He became vegan for health reasons and wants to make veganism more accessible to others by sharing his knowledge and information.
The Vegan Potter and Green Bean Creations
Lyndsay Dean, owner of The Vegan Potter, has been vegan for over 30 years. She has witnessed significant changes in the availability of plant-based alternatives for meat and dairy products over the years. VegFest provides a space for her to connect with like-minded individuals without feeling judged for her ethical beliefs and lifestyle choices. Dean values the sense of community and the friendships she has formed with other vendors and clients who support her business year after year.
Lena Green, owner of Green Bean Creations, also participated in VegFest to reach a wider audience within the vegan community. For Green, veganism is important for sustainability and ethical reasons. She appreciates how easily accessible plant-based alternatives are today and how they contribute to saving animals and the environment.
Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness
In addition to promoting sustainable food consumption, VegFest made an effort to be environmentally conscious by ensuring that everything at the event was fully compostable. Dionne and the organizers partnered with Bootstrap Compost, a local composting company, to minimize waste. Although providing compostable materials can be more expensive, the organizers believe it is worth it to promote environmentally friendly practices.
Spreading the Message of Love and Compassion
The vendors at VegFest hope that the event will not only raise awareness about the resources available for sustainable living but also encourage attendees to be more open to trying new things. They aim to educate and support each other in a compassionate manner that spreads the message of love.
Dionne wants people to realize that there is a wide variety of vegan options available and hopes that by knowing this, people will be more inclined to choose them. The vegan community is known for being welcoming and supportive, and VegFest serves as a platform to showcase this.
Conclusion: Embracing Veganism and Building Community
Overall, R.I. VegFest was a successful event that brought together vegan businesses, promoted sustainable practices, and created a sense of community among attendees. It served as a reminder that veganism can be accessible, beneficial, and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of where they are on their journey towards a plant-based lifestyle.