2011 DC VegFest Draws Vegetarians and Vegans From Throughout the District
The threat of thunderstorms didn’t deter the crowds at the 2011 DC VegFest. Vegans, vegetarians, and veg-curious Washingtonians came out in hordes on Saturday to experience a unique event highlighting the DC area’s plentiful meat-free cuisine, to browse information booths bursting with literature on various animal rights issues, and to learn from speakers touting the health and environmental benefits of a meat-free diet.
More than 70 exhibitor and vendor booths were set up in George Washington University’s University Yard from 11-6 on Saturday. Unsurprisingly, the food booths were extremely popular, and nearly every festival attendee could be seen chowing down on vegetarian fare throughout the event. A favorite among locals, Amsterdam Falafelshop’s line stretched far down the sidewalk as attendees waited to purchase hot and crispy falafel and customize their sandwich at the extensive toppings bar. Another popular food booth belonged to Vegan Treats Bakery. Their impressive display of sticky buns, moon pies, cookies, and pastries gathered a large crowd eager to sample their gorgeous desserts.
A large number of booths hosted by animal rights activists and vegetarian groups were also present. One very popular booth, packed to the brim with booklets and magazines encouraging vegetarianism belonged to The Vegetarian Resource Group. Mary Herbranson, Outreach Coordinator for The Vegetarian Resource Group ran this booth, and when asked what interested her in participating in VegFest she said, “We were interested in an opportunity to engage with other communities. We’re based in Baltimore, and we know Washington, DC has a great support for activism. We just thought this was the best opportunity to showcase our brochures and books on vegan and vegetarian diets.”
Seasoned vegans and vegetarians, and those just beginning to explore a meat-free lifestyle all benefited from the abundance of information and resources available at the festival. DC VegFest successfully highlighted to everyone in attendance how easy and delicious it is to eat compassionately in Washington, DC.
Photos by Maggie Gill – See more on Flickr
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