Vegfest Guelph aims to promote a plant-based lifestyle

Eating plants to help save the animals and the environment

Guelph’s annual vegetarian food festival celebrated its third year at the Guelph Youth Music Centre and Goldie Mills Park on Sept. 25, 2016. The festival’s themes are centred around the promotion of animal rights, community-enhancing activism, as well as the promotion of the environmental and health benefits of living a plant-based lifestyle.

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According to the event’s official website, Vegfest Guelph aims to “support all those who are curious about or on the road to adopting a plant-based diet, regardless of their motivation; proactively promote veganism in a non-judgemental way; [and] help empower people to make positive changes in the way they eat and live.”

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Thirty-eight vegetarian and vegan food stalls sold a variety of cruelty-free snacks and meals that appealed to the taste-buds of many in attendance. Chef Thiru from Classic Indian Restaurant, a Waterloo-based establishment, brought out the richly spiced flavours of Southeast Asia with crispy samosas and veggie spring rolls, as well as a tawa tofu masala served with fresh roti. St. Catherines-based vegan hot dog stand Rescue Dogs offered a selection of fast (yet animal-friendly) hot dogs and street fare. Vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free sweet treats could be bought from Guelph’s very own Fairly Frosted Bakery, whose tent was located in the Goldie Mill inner courtyard. A selection of flavours of coconut milk ice cream ranging from mint chocolate chip to rocky road, a series of coconut milk ice cream sandwiches (whose pumpkin spice flavour quickly sold out), and a collection of baked goodies were up for grabs. Other vegan-friendly Guelph food-spots—such as Na-Ha’s Thai Kitchen, Rawlicious, and Cadence—were also found selling their grub amidst the many other Vegfest stalls.

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Walking through the crowd, if there was one thing in abundance at Vegfest Guelph 2016, it was smiles. From left to right, the event had something for every member of the family—like a children’s area that featured a mud-pie kitchen and mini-concert, as well as doggy treats and watering stations—fun was ensured for human and furry companions alike. The combination of perfect weather, a picturesque location, in addition to the amazing selection food and the knowledge of being surrounded by like-minded people giving off good vibes made for an afternoon well spent.

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Most people are aware that vegetarians don’t eat meat. The concept of veganism, however, is something that has been lesser known, but is slowly gaining more attention. In terms of diet, vegans do not eat meat or any other animal by-product. The idea behind plant-based living encompasses both of these diets, as well as a unique awareness for the sustainable health and welfare of the self, the animals, as well as the planet.

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Climate Vegan, a social movement and online resource, explains that every day, an individual who follows a vegan diet saves 1,100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 square feet of forested land, the equivalent of 20 pounds of CO2, and the life of one animal.

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