Vegan corn dogs are one of the popular items at the Texas Veggie Fair. Courtesy of Texas Veggie Fair.

Oct. 21, 2016 

For long-time vegans and vegetarians, newbies to the way of life or just folks tinkering with the idea of making your diet meatless, the seventh annual Texas Veggie Fair on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Reverchon Park in Dallas is a good way to figure out if the lifestyle is for you.

As many as 10,000 folks attended last year's Veggie Fair, which showcases plant-based versions of all the traditional fair food - including vegan cheese fries, corn dogs and even cupcakes.

“We have about the same number of people attending that are not vegan or vegetarian compared to those that are,” said Veggie Fair founder James Scott said 

A growing number of Americans are vegetarian – about 5 percent of the population according to a 2011 study commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group. As many as 10 percent are vegetarian leaning. Not only is a plant-based diet gaining recognition for its health benefits, it’s also been endorsed by the United Nations as the most sustainable lifestyle choice to combat climate change.

The all vegan Reverie Bakeshop of Richardson is a favorite among event-goers. Courtesy of Reverie Bakeshop.

The highlights of this year’s fair include a pavilion offering an opportunity for adults and children to visit various stations to examine their current lifestyle and learn about various ways to improve their health. Nyse Collins will also be returning with an all new "How Healthy is your Lifestyle?" and he will be on hand for children’s cooking demonstrations.

Scott said this year the fair will include additional chefs and speakers presenting demos to Spanish-speaking attendees with the food and nutrition manager for the Humane Society of the United States, Eddie Garza on hand to share recipes from his new book.

Garza, a leading figure in the movement to reform food systems in Latino communities went from an unhealthy 300-pound man to a healthy 150-pound vegetarian.

“Latinos are becoming increasingly concerned about both health and environmental issues that impact our communities,” Garza said. “Texas is home to more than 10 million Latinos—the second largest Latino population in the nation—and more than two thirds of Texas Latinos speak Spanish at home. I’m honored to serve our community by leading the Texas Veggie Fair’s first-ever Spanish-language cooking series to demonstrate how easy it can be to protect our health and the health of our planet just by putting more fruits and vegetables on our plates.”

Cykochik handbagJoining Garza is chef and restaurateur Miguel Bautista, with plant-based recipes from Vegan Planet, his restaurant in Cancun.

The Veggie Fair is free and attendees can also expect additional speakers, music, vendors, kid’s events and even a beer garden operated by the vegan-friendly Trinity Hall Irish Pub serving beers that are 100 percent vegan.

The event will also showcase local animal-friendly businesses such as Cykochik, custom vegan handbags, and Kick Butt Boots, vegan cowboy boots.

Above, "Love Bunnies," an all vegan handbag from Cykochik. Below, Vegan cowboy boots from Kick Butt Boots.

Scott said the Veggie Fair started as a small event, whose mission was to provide vegans and vegetarians a festival “of their own” where they would have a chance to eat the standard "festival" type foods.

Kick Butt Boots“I quickly realized that this was not only an opportunity to deliver a great experience to people that were already vegan, but to those that were curious about learning more,” Scott said. “So we brought in organizations such as Mercy for Animals to help educate attendees about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.”

The fair is dog friendly too and you'll find some pooch approved veggie treats.

“The Texas Veggie Fair’s mission is to bring together, educate and expand the plant-based community regionally, nationally and worldwide about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle to health, the environment, and animals,” Scott said. “We do this by providing a positive, entertaining and educational experience in a fun, welcoming environment for the whole family.”

Texas Veggie Fair

About: Plant-based fair, featuring food, vendors, speakers and live music.

When: Oct. 22, 2016, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple Ave, Dallas

Website


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