“Vegevores” Swarm Oregon Convention Center
September 1st, 2010
Portland's Missionary Chocolates offers samples of fine vegan truffles. Photo by Charley Korns.
Way back in 2005, an upstart organization with big green dreams envisioned an annual festival to celebrate sustainable, compassionate and healthy food choices. And thus was Northwest VEG’s Portland VegFest born. I was one of a few hundred people who discovered new taste treats (Field Roast! Coconut Bliss!) in a rented community hall at that humble first VegFest. Over the years the event outgrew several locations as “vegevores” – people who love vegetarian food, be they vegans or omnivores – flocked to sample the wares in increasing numbers.
- Bike, MAX or biodiesel bus to VegFest 2010! Photo by Lila Martin.
Now VegFest has hit the big time with its first-ever two-day event September 18 and 19 at the leafy green Oregon Convention Center. Local favorites Bob’s Red Mill, Dave’s Killer Bread, Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss and Turtle Island Foods will join dozens more veg-friendly purveyors with yummy treats for sampling, and folks like Portland’s Herbivore Clothing will offer fashion- and conscience-forward items for sale. Chefs, physicians and nutritionists will give fest-goers added knowledge about foods that are good for the environment and good for health.
Entry is just $5 (and there’s a $1 off coupon on the website); after that all the taste treats, education programs and family activities are free.
Two full days of vegevore fun — now that’s what I call yum!
