Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival returns to Scottsdale, 1/9-10
Vegetarians rejoice, there is a food festival for you.
The Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival returns in January, and will be much bigger and better than the first one. Hosted by the U.S. Veg Corp., the event has been expanded to two days and benefits Mercy For Animals.
"We started out in our home base of New York City almost six years ago, and came to Arizona earlier this year to host, really, the only vegetarian food festival in the state," said co-founder Sarah Gross.
The 2016 festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10, at Scottsdale Civic Center Park. It's expected to draw vendors and visitors from throughout Arizona.
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"We have been following the demographic and area itself for many years, and noticed there is a large base that is interested in sustainability, and the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle," co-founder Nira Paliwoda said. "There wasn't an event already in place, and at the first event, the sheer demand was overwhelming."
Speakers will include Mike Wolf, investigations manager for Compassion Over Killing; Ellen Jaffe Jones, author of "Paleo Vegan: Plant-Based Primal Recipes;" weight-loss expert Jason Wyrick; and Fran Costigan, known for her vegan desserts.
More than 50 local and national vendors will showcase their goods. Arizona vendors include Livin' Lite AZ, Green Living magazine, Lulu's Sorbetto, Sparky's Cantina, Mustache Pretzels and Pomegranate Cafe. There will be a yoga area and kids' activities, too.
Palimoda said vendors who participated in Arizona's inaugural event made changes to their menus as a result of the experience. "Mustache Pretzels created a vegan-option pretzel that has seen a lot of success through the course of the year, and a kettle corn food truck introduced organic, non-GMO kettle corn that is all-vegan," she said.
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While most event goers are likely to have already adopted a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, Palimoda hopes omnivores will attend, as well.
"People think that we'll just have granola and vegetables at the festival, but that's definitely not the case," she said. "There's some amazing food out there, and chefs are being challenged to create amazing dishes that you wouldn't miss any type of meat product. It's about good food and living your life in a more conscientious atmosphere."
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10. Scottsdale Civic Center Park, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. $20 for single-day admission, $50 for weekend VIP admission. azvegfoodfest.com.
PHX Vegan Beer & Food Festival
What: Davisson Entertainment and Phoenix Center for the Arts are partnering for this inaugural event, featuring vegan restaurants and vendors, live music and artists.
When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.
Where: Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix.
Admission: $25. VIP tickets, $60, include two drink vouchers, early admission at 11 a.m. and souvenir.
Details: davissonentertainment.com.