Veggie Fest serves up meat-free fun for all ages
Whether you're a confirmed vegan or someone just beginning to consider cutting meat from your diet, you'll find ideas, menu suggestions and support at Veggie Fest.
The fourth annual event - the only Chicago-area vegetarian festival - is a two-day celebration of vegetarianism that aims to share information about the meat-free lifestyle. Festivities will include live music, children's activities, vegetarian food court, international speakers and food demonstrations.
"Anybody who has had any interest about learning about the vegetarian diet, this is a great way to start," coordinator Jonathan Kruger said.
The festival runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, on the grounds of the Science of Spirituality Center, 4S175 Naperville Road, Naperville. Admission is free, but organizers encourage attendees to donate nonperishable vegetarian foods to the People's Resource Center and to give blood.
Organizers hope to welcome a crowd of 15,000 to 20,000.
While promoting a meat-free diet, the festival's goal is not to convert anyone but rather to celebrate the lifestyle while focusing on the positive attributes of vegetarianism, Kruger said.
"Everything at Veggie Fest should put a smile on your face," said Michael Ribet, manager of vendors, sponsors and demonstrations.
The Science of Spirituality Center members first created the event to share their belief in vegetarianism with the community after classes and demonstrations were well-received.
Originally a one-day event, Veggie Fest has transformed into a two-day celebration that organizers say gets "bigger and better" each year as the festival grows in popularity.
Organizers hope to double last year's attendance of 10,000 people. To that end, the hours have been extended for each day.
Throughout the two days, 12 speakers from around the world will address a variety of vegetarian topics. Presenters will talk for about 30 minutes, then take questions for an hour in the Ask the Health Expert booth.
"It will be an exciting group of speakers in both the big tent and in the chapel area," said Catherine Gallagher, speakers bureau coordinator and a food demonstrator.
Some highlights will be health expert Saraswati Sukumar, author Klaus Oberbeil, author James Gruft, businessman Arran Stephens and keynote speaker Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, Gallagher said.
Food demonstrations will be held throughout the festival including those by representatives from two top Chicago vegetarian restaurants, Chicago Diner and Karyn's.
As the festival continues to grow, so does the community support.
With 30 percent more vendors this year, attendees can expect to see more than 100 vendors in seven different categories including food court, food products, health providers, health/beauty products and spiritual life.
Twenty-four food court vendors will offer vegetarian dishes with an international menu that ranges from Caribbean to Asian, allowing the food court to cater to a variety of tastes. All food court items can be purchased with tickets available at the event.
"(The food court is) a very special feature of Veggie Fest," Ribet said, "because part of the message of Veggie Fest is that you are not losing out by being a vegetarian."
<p class="factboxheadblack">Veggie Fest</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> The Science of Spirituality Center, 4S175 Naperville Road, Naperville</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Free</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://veggiefestchicagoland.org" target="new">veggiefestchicagoland.org</a></p>