All things vegan will celebrated this Saturday during the 2nd annual Big Island Veg Fest.
The festival has been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is back and bigger than the last, according to the organizer. The free event is dedicated to showcasing the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
There will be a variety of speakers, activities, vendors, chef demonstrations and booths from Big Island organizations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand in Hilo.
Participants in the festival will be supporting the mission of demonstrating how nutritious and invigorating it is to eat a diet that focuses on organic, locally grown produce.
Some food and retail vendors that will be featured include, Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato, Big Island Grindz, Banzos, Periwinkle Moon, Gem Vibrations and Kahuna Products. Nonprofit organizations like the Hawaii Animal Kuleana Alliance, Magical Creatures Sanctuary and Big Island Farm Sanctuary will have informational booths as well.
Chef Stephen Rouelle from Under the Bodhi Tree and Jana Bogs, Ph.D in horticulture and food science, will be the featured speakers at Veg Fest. Local musicians Kanaka Fyah, Mano Ali‘i and Trill LeBeau will be performing throughout the day.
Event organizer Alessandra Rupar has taken over the mantle of planning this year’s Veg Fest. Rupar runs Vegan Aloha, a social media platform that shares information about veganism, animal rights and amazing plant-based recipes.
“We are so excited to have the community join us to find inspiration and motivation. This gathering is a fun way to celebrate the bounty of nature and the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle,” Rupar said. “Our guests will have the opportunity to try new foods, find ways to improve their health, and learn exciting methods for preparing plant-based dishes, all of which help improve the health and wellness of themselves, their ohana and the planet.”
Vegan Aloha, Sanctuary of Mana Ke‘a Gardens, Vegan Society of Hawaii, Island Naturals Market &Deli and VegFun are sponsoring the event.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, chairs, reusable utensils and refillable water bottles.
Volunteers are still needed, so anyone interested in getting involved can email bigislandvegfest@gmail.com.
