VegFest Features Detroit Lions Running Back, Vegan Treats Sunday

NOVI, MI — The largest tastefest and expo around for vegans is coming up and there’s a record amount of sales heading into the event. Guests at this year’s VegFest in Novi will offer tasty cuisine and plant-based samples from more than 100 restaurants and dozens of interesting vendors. Cooking demonstrations, a kids zone and celebrity guest speakers are also on tap.

This year’s event takes place 10:30-5 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at the Suburban Collection Showplace. Best-selling author and PBS personality Joel Fuhrman M.D. and Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick will headline the speaker lineup. Among the growing number of athletes going vegan, Riddick will speak at 1:45 p.m. on “Improving Your Game with a Plant-Based Diet,” followed by Fuhrman at 3 p.m. on “Eating for Health and Longevity.”

This is the 19th year the event has taken place, formerly attracting guests to the “Great American Meatout” before changing the name to VegFest in 2009. Publicist Cyndi Summers said the event started out with just 50 attendees and grown from there with the trend of healthy eating.

“(It) has moved to larger locations several times to accommodate the growing crowds and last year attendance topped 5,000!” she said. “We’re expecting that or more this year. In fact, advance sales are at a record high this year.”

The main draw is often the tasty treats, according to organizers, and visitors still get to leave feeling good about their food choices.

“We’ll have more space this year and a covered outdoor food truck park,” said Paul Krause, president of VegMichigan. “Even if you come just for the new Ben & Jerry’s vegan flavors, you’ll leave inspired with plenty of resources for a better, healthier life.”

Other notable items on the schedule of events include the former Miss USA contestant and emcee Sheena Monnin speaking at 11:15 a.m., diabetes expert Caroline Trapp D.N.P. at 11:30 a.m. and cardiologist, author and professor Joel Kahn M.D. at 12:30 pm. Other presenters include yoga teacher Abby Bechek Hoot, PBNSG educators Debby Knight Jones and Denise Kling-Pelto, humane educator and animal caretaker Brece Clark; along with cooking demos by chef Quiana “Que” Broden, Cacao Tree Café and Clean Plate owner Amber Poupore, Chive Kitchen owner Suzy Silvestre and others.

Admission is $14 in advance or $17 at the door. VegMichigan members are admitted free. Find the full schedule at vegmichigan.org. Be sure to look for your local Patch editor at the VegFest and say hi.

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