Most people define the vegan experience through what you put on your plate, but VegFest co-organizer Leila Sleiman says there’s a lot more to it.
“A truly vegan lifestyle actually also encompasses not buying products that test on animals, not wearing animal products and not supporting animals in entertainment,” she said.
Those interested in learning more about going vegan or simply eating a lot of good food can check out this weekend’s festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Allegheny Commons East Park on the North Side.
Sleiman said the event will include animal rescue organizations, beauty and skin-care products, yoga, prizes and a diverse array of food vendors offering pizza, Indian, burgers, chili dogs, fresh-squeezed juice and more.
“Whether you’re an omnivore or you’re vegan or you’re flirting with vegetarianism, no one can deny food that tastes good,” she said. “That’s definitely the main event here at VegFest.”
Sleiman said there’s a lot of excitement building around the raffle scheduled for Saturday. One of the top prizes is a Steelers gift basket including three tickets to a game this season. Also available are gift baskets from Lululemon, Giant Eagle and Stage AE.
The festival is modeled after VegFest events in other cities, including Denver, Austin, and Bethlehem, Pa. This is the first Pittsburgh VegFest, and Sleiman said she plans to keep the event going every year.
Admission is free, and the first 100 visitors will receive goodie bags with free samples and coupons, she said.
