Denver VegFest 2009 a complete success

[Guest guest]

Wow! What an event! I have been vegetarian since 1990 and doing what I can to

promote a sustainable world even longer than that, but I have never seen

anything quite like this year's VegFest at the Marriott City Center on Saturday.

It really made my heart smile to see so many people working so hard toward

making this country and this world a better place for everyone and every animal.

 

 

 

 

 

Everything vegan and vegetarian was on display.I was already aware of most of

what I saw, but I was impressed by how much everything is expanding. One really

beautiful, great idea I observed was that everyone was given a cup, a plate and

fork upon entry. These were to be used repeatedly to sample the many

vegan/vegetarian taste treats inside. Then, once finished, there were recycling

stations set up for proper disposal. Nothing was wasted and there was little

strain on the environment.

 

 

 

Not everything was edible.Once inside, I encountered a room full of smiling,

happy people of conscience. Some were listening to lectures or taking in

demonstrations while others were bidding on items at the silent auction. Of

course, there were vendors, and people were milling about checking out what was

available in the sustainable market place with everything from books and

blenders, to clothes and household goods on display. I even found non-toxic,

zero-VOC paint for sale and plan to use it to paint my house soon. Still, the

main focus for me as Dining Examiner, was the food.

 

 

 

Watercourse Foods was one of the sponsors.The price of admission was a suggested

$10, (more if you were so inclined), but the free samples in food alone more

than made up that cost. It seemed like almost every table had some type of free

food sample, and it was easy to get your fill. There were juices, pastries,

pastas, a variety of veggie burgers, ice cream, candy, rice, curry, soups,

energy bars, cleansing drinks, power drinks, fruit, spreads and a plethora of

items I either never saw or didn't try. One thing is for sure. If you are

vegan or vegetarian, you no longer have to worry about a limited, bland diet.

The variety of healthy, cruelty free foods available now offers real choice like

never before.

 

 

 

I was pleased to find vegan/vegetarian personal chefs.Still, one of the most

impressive and important tables I visited was a small one, way off in a corner.

It was the table of a vegan pre-school in Longmont. They not only serve

strictly vegan foods in their cafeteria, but also teach nutrition to their

students. It is one thing to try to retrain adults raised a certain way, but

quite another when our children are taught the truth from an early age and

allowed to decide for themselves.

 

All of this, despite the struggling economy, gives great hope for the future.

Hope is a wonderful thing and one of the most important things on display

downtown Saturday. In that respect, this year's VegFest was a complete success.

 

 

For more info: There are too many vendors, contributors and sponsors to list.

Please, use the hyperlink to visit the website for complete information; 2009

Denver VegFest

 

http://www.examiner.com/x-357-Denver-Dining-Examiner~y2009m4d12-Denver-VegFest-2\

009-a-complete-success