Looking for a way to detox from last weekend’s 3rd annual Bacon Festival? Brenda A. Morris, event coordinator for the Richmond Vegetarian Festival, jokes that she has just what you’re looking for.
With over 100 vendors featuring vegan food options, the 13th annual Veggie Fest strives to be “receptive to anyone who is interested in giving vegetarianism a try in any capacity,” said Morris.
“We recognize that reasons for which people choose a vegetarian diet are diverse; whether it is to reduce animal suffering or to improve health, or to tread more gently on our environment, we really try to include something for everyone,” she said.
Although many people come out to listen to music and sample food from a great variety of vendors, Morris and her coworkers have seen an interest in presenters and speakers explaining the health benefits and ease of being a vegetarian, especially as the movement has grow over the years.
With an aim to serve the interests of fellow herbivores throughout the city, the festival has worked to make resources available for those interested in transitioning to the vegetarian lifestyle.
The festival now hosts speakers of many different capacities, including registered dietitian Jane Wilson, who will be on site at the festival all day to answer any questions about nutrition.
The benefits the festival has to offer goes beyond good food, good music, and informative speakers. Morris explained that her family and friends have participated for the past 12 years — “My sister has been working in the Kid’s Patch through two pregnancies and now both of her children, who are also vegetarian, come out and assist her,” she continued. “Everyone who has volunteered can feel the love of all the folks, and there are many, who go out of their way to make the day possible.”
The vastly differing food options, paired with countless activities, music, and an array of speakers for people of all ages all presented with one underlying message — to promote vegetarianism, even to those who do not adhere to the plant-based diet — create a family-friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.
The event’s continued success in providing a fun environment for Richmonders since its start can be seen in its growth. The notion of a vegetarian festival started with Dr. Christopher Patterson, who began planning Richmond’s first major event to cater to the diets of vegans in 2003. Morris was attending a potluck hosted by the Vegetarian Society of Virginia when she heard about the event and was thrilled.
“I attended the very first planning meeting along with a small group of folks 13 years ago and have been involved ever since,” she said.
Since its initial meeting with a minimal number of volunteers, the festival has grown considerably. The few have grown original organizers to a core group of many, with about 130 vendors and attendees in the thousands.
“I tease people when they are planning a wedding that if they think that is tough, try planning an outdoor event during hurricane season for 12,000+ people,” said Morris. “As large as our event has become, we can always use assistance from anyone who has a sincere desire to help out.” Volunteers are welcomed and sign-ups are always available on their website.
“We encourage people to cultivate empathy for animals and move towards a plant-based diet,” said Morris. But omnivores and bacon-fest enthusiasts alike don’t need to fear! “This event is about experiencing a healthy and humane lifestyle, and humane is the treatment you will receive when you arrive, even if you still have sausage on your breath from breakfast.”
