Vegan Festivals Around The Country

By Larry Allen


Many people choose to avoid all foods of animal origin. They go farther than those who call themselves vegetarians but who consume dairy products, eggs, and fish. For anyone who wishes to eat only from the vegetable kingdom, vegan festivals are both fun and educational.

A 'vegan' is a person who avoids all meat, dairy (including eggs), and seafood. They never eat butter, yogurt, fish, or omelets. They also avoid seasonings which may contain natural or artificial flavors derived from animal sources. Since most people get their protein from meat and dairy, vegans must work hard to get a balanced diet. However, a carefully-crafted plan using a wide range of vegetables and few refined foods can actually be very healthy.

Some people follow lifestyle by preference or because they are allergic to dairy or shellfish. For others, however, it is a moral choice. They feel it's wrong to eat other living things in the animal kingdom. They may want to consume less of the world's resources than the production of meat and dairy products require. The good news is that this way of eating need not eliminate good and even gourmet foods.

Food fests are great for finding out about new foods or learning to prepare old favorites in a whole new way. A vegan festival will have gourmet food that smells great and tastes great - and vendors won't be exhibiting anything that is not allowed on the diet. Visitors won't have to avoid tempting things. They can sample everything that the vendors have brought.

It's a chance to learn new ways to prepare dishes and new items to include in your daily menus. People can get in a rut and eat the same thing over and over, especially when they have dietary restrictions. Go out and see what's new and exciting in the vegan marketplace.

Everyone knows foods they like that are completely vegetarian. A French baguette is made of flour, water, yeast, and salt, as are many hearty whole-grain breads. A great salad has lettuces, seeds, nuts, and fruits; who needs anything more? There are cakes without eggs, creamy sauces without cream, and delicious sautes made without butter. Find a festival in your area, or one worth traveling to, and see how exciting meals can be.

Many major cities host festivals catering to vegans: New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Portland, Austin. There are more of these special food fairs every year, so check your area's event calendar to see if there is one close to you. If you are a mover and shaker for local cultural events, maybe you can encourage your city or town to host one.

Festivals organized around good things to eat are often the most fun. You don't even have to spend a lot of money on food; vendors give away samples as fast as you can say 'Yes!'. It'll be a good idea to plan on doing your grocery shopping, because you'll be sure to want to bring a lot of their best merchandise home.




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