First Published on StreetPoetz.Com by Carmel Cece Carson
ON WGRZ Ch. 2
When people think of Buffalo, NY, they often think of a tumultuous amount of snow, chicken wings, and the losing streak of the Buffalo Bills. What many don’t know is that the city is rich with different cultures and an immense diversity of amazing food! Each summer promises various food festivals as an opportunity to venture out and experience something new, and in 2014 one group decided to take this a step further.
WNY VegFest merges Vegetarian and Vegan with a clean, sustainable, and healthy lifestyle. The event brought over 5,000 people to Delaware Park last year and expects an even larger turnout this year.
StreetPoetz.Com founder, Cece Carson, had a moment to speak with Albert Brown, one of the co-founders of WNY Vegfest and he provided insight into the birth of this astounding event.
Can you tell us how WNY VegFest came to be?
“I thought that a festival encouraging and celebrating all the wonderful benefits of a plant based lifestyle would be perfect for the WNY/Buffalo region and that was the spark that lit a fire that continues to burn.”
At the point this was just an idea; did you ever think it would be so successful in the first year?
“No, we had hoped for 1,500 folks to show up the first year but 5,000 decided they had a better idea than me, ha-ha.”
Who is the driving force team behind WNY VegFest?
“Sara Rogers, Melanie Pasinski, and myself.”
We love that you have also found a way to incorporate the arts into the event. Can you tell us more about this?
“The arts are such an important part of the WNY VegFest! We love featuring local musicians, dancers, and artists and artisans of all kinds. We want our event to always be a creative expression of the talent and love that our region is known for and will always look for ways to showcase our talented pool of artist in the WNY area.”
What do you feel the key difference will be between 2014 and 2015?
“Well, knock on wood, I think we are a little better prepared and we are expanding in every area. Our theme this year is A Plant based Lifestyle and its benefits in an Age of Climate change! “
How many businesses and vendors can we look forward to this year?
“As of right now we have over 70 and that number will grow right up to the event.”
Can you tell us what goals you have in mind for the future?
“I would love to see the WNY VegFest become a multiple day festival and expand on performances, speakers, music and of course all that delicious food!”
This year’s event will feature not only amazing food and earth conscious vendors, but also:
- The annual Tofurkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
- Live music, drumming, dancing, hula hoops, kids area, and other performances
- Animals for adoption
- Speakers and vendors
- Fun! Fun! Fun!
Want to be a part of WNY VegFest?
Contact Albert via email or phone
- albert [at] wnyvegfest.com
- (716) 465.3927
Check out the website for the complete schedule of events, how to volunteer, donate, sponsor and have a lot of fun at www.wnyvegfest.com
Stay tuned because it does not stop here.
Graphics © WNY Vegfest
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