VegFest focuses on healthy eating

The 5th Annual North Florida Vegfest is set for Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at Tom Brown Park.
Photo Submitted by Teylor Parks.

Gather your forks, friends and family because the VegFest is coming to town. The Tallahassee vegetarian community (TalVeg) presents the 5th annual North Florida VegFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Tom Brown Park. It aims to promote a “healthy, sustainable and compassionate lifestyle.”

“We want to highlight the healthy, sustainable and compassionate options we have in our community,” said Nathalie Elsamra, a lead organizer of VegFest. “We want to improve your lifestyle, we want to teach you about it.”

With the recent increase in promoting a health-conscious lifestyle infiltrating into mainstream media and healthier alternatives being placed on household dinner tables, the festival arrives to boost the attention being given to the vegan-vegetarian lifestyle and help those who may not know where to begin.

“I’ve noticed, since being vegan, a lot of people want to be vegan, but they don’t really know what to eat. They don’t know how to shop vegan, they don’t really know how to cook vegan, they can’t take their minds away from stuff like butter or cheese, so the VegFest can do an amazing job of highlighting all the amazing varieties that you have of being vegan without sacrificing a pig,” said Tamia Dorsey, an active member of TalVeg.

The festival will feature an array of food trucks and vendors, local farmers, guest speakers, musical performances, live cooking demonstrations and a kid-zone to bring all aspects of the Tallahassee community together.

“There’s something for everyone at this event,” Elsamra added.

Grey the Rapper — a Florida native and featured musical guest who has performed at over 20 VegFest’s across the country and Canada — is excited to participate in bringing the message of staying conscious about food options to Tallahassee.

“When I felt the energy of (VegFest) it’s just nothing but good vibes, love, energy and great food,” he said. “The real fun part about it is the connection of people, the people that you meet from all walks of life.” 

The North Florida VegFest is free for all ages, and pets are welcome to enjoy the festivities as well.

“VegFest is a great event for anyone and everyone’s food preferences who want to learn more about healthy, sustainable, compassionate eating and the benefits it has health-wise, as well as the positive impacts on self and the environment,” VegFest spokeswoman Sally Sanders said in a press release.

“If you have thoughts about transitioning toward veganism or vegetarianism, or just want more information about healthy eating while enjoying this beautiful park and springtime weather, this is a perfect way to spend the weekend with the whole family.”