According to 1010Data, an analytics company, consumers are becoming more conscious about what they eat and use. There has also been a 97% increase in consumers that want healthier food options. 6% of the US population is currently vegan, which is a full 600% higher than it was even in 2014, according to a 2017 report.
As the No Meat March Pledge is underway, the Girls Gone Green (an environmental activist group that cares about animal ethics) hosted their 7th annual Northeast Florida Veg Fest on March 3rd, 2018. The event happened at Riverside Park in Jacksonville, FL.
I went to this event with hope and excitement beaming in my eyes. The weather was also perfect for a beautiful day out, not too hot, not too cold, a fantastic Goldilocks temperature.
Animal Rights
While walking into the welcome tent, the Girl Gone Green crew welcomed everyone and gave everyone free information about what a vegan diet is and how to adopt it. Riverside Park filled with vegan conscious people, as well as many people who were merely vegan-curious. Some festival attendees even brought their animals to the event. I saw a goat touting around with its owner.
The owner allowed my 3-year-old son to pet the goat, and he was elated at the idea. There were vendors from one end of the park to the other. Vendors gave a plethora of information about veganism and how to eat healthier. On the other hand, some vendors gave samples of food and sold many vegan options. Julie, the Director of Girls Gone Green, stated, “This was the most vendors to participate in the Veg Fest in Jacksonville.”
Atmosphere
As a plant-based dieter of 10 years, I found the events and people to be lighthearted and fun. Its atmosphere makes the veg fest a remarkable thing to have around. It helps people who might have been on the fence about veganism to see the animals and the food up close and personal, instead of through a computer screen. It also brings a form of humanity to veganism so that people can see it as more than just an activist group, and more of a lifestyle. It normalizes veganism, and that is great for everyone.
Vegan Fun Experiences
There were many fun events to go around, such as a pie eating contest! As well as music by The Honey Hounds and the Ouija Brothers. There were many cooking demos as well, where the smell of delicious vegan food filled the air. Cooking demos presented by many people, such as JAX Vegan Couple, Whole Foods Market Jacksonville, and Chef Amadeus, among others. Let us Choose the Best Chef Prepared Meals for You! Subscribe for Healthy, Tasty Plant-Based Meals at Veestro.com! Change Meal Types, Pause, or Stop Any Time.
Many speakers attended the event to talk about veganism as well. These included Dr. Rapole, a 14-year-old life-long vegan named Rockett Ridge, Anthony Collini, and Lillian McDermott. With so many speakers and events to choose from, this event can quickly take up your whole day. They even have a table for kids to make arts andcrafts, cooking, yoga, etc!
“Thank you all for helping to make our Veg Fest a success! This was our largest veg fest to date, and we already can’t wait until next year!” the veg fest organizers said on their Facebook page.
I had a blast while I was there, and enjoyed every event and speaker that they had. I merely hope that many of people who were vegan-curious left with a renewed conviction to start a vegan/plant-based lifestyle. I am sure that everyone who attended had a good time, and that makes veganism look great for everyone, and that is always a plus.