Everything Under The Sun: Sonoma County VegFest Ready For Its Third Year

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Sonoma County VegFest Ready For Its Third Year

One of the speaker presentations.

You know those fests and festivals that are seen around the country throughout the year? Some of those are annual events, with committed leaders and volunteers who help put them together every year. Just about every one of them has had a start one day in the past. Someone had the idea and the fest or festival was celebrated every year.

That happened in the case of the SONOMA COUNTY VEGFEST. Hope Bohanec had been an activist for animal protection and preservation of the environment for more than 20 years. She also had a book, The Ultimate Betrayal: Is There Happy Meat? to her publishing credit. Along with enlisting the help of COMPASSIONATE LIVING, an organization active in protecting farm animals and promoting a vegan lifestyle, and also located in Sonoma County, she organized the first ever Sonoma County VegFest in 2014.

This first event would feature recognized speakers, vegan cooking demonstrations, opportunities to sample vegan food from local restaurants, and informative exhibits. This year marks the third year of the VegFest. The day-long event is scheduled for August 20, 10 AM to 5 PM at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Entrance fee is only $5 and kids under age 13 are admitted for free.
This year's events include renowned speakers from around the world; a musical performance by Zahira, a soul/pop/reggae artist with her own unique style; and a wide variety of local and bay area vendors and exhibitors.

In addition, there will be a number of professional cooking demonstrations, some combined with nutritional information, throughout the day. Of course, there will also be free samples to try and a Kids Corner, featuring events of interest to families, including interactive music activities, a storyteller, and information about veganism in the lives of children.

Ramses, demonstrating cooking techniques.

Topping the event off is another first, the North Bay Vegan FilmFest, a wonderful new addition to the event activities. There is a separate charge for each film viewed, but attendees must have purchased a ticket to the VegFest. There are three films scheduled: Food Choices, Unlocking the Cage, and Vegan: Everyday Stories. Tickets may be purchased online or onsite.