Actress Simone Reyes, NBA Champ John Salley & others to speak at metro Detroit's premier vegan tastefest and expo at Suburban Collection Showplace
If it’s spring, it must be time for the annual vegan food, info and networking extravaganza known as VegFest. Presented by VegMichigan, VegFest is the state’s premier celebration of a plant-based lifestyle and takes place Sunday, April 24 at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
Showcasing a vast array of vegan food, exhibitors and activities, VegFest also features notable local and national speakers, including actress Simone Reyes, star of the reality TV show “Running Russell Simmons”; former Piston and NBA champ John Salley, back by popular demand; Dr. Alan Goldhamer, founder of California’s innovative True North Health Center; and Nathan Runkle, founder of the international animal advocacy group Mercy for Animals.
“VegFest aims to show how delicious and easy plant-based eating can be, as well as the many ways that choosing to forgo animal products can benefit our lives,” says Paul Krause, president of VegMichigan. “It’s a compassionate choice, of course -- one that naturally appeals to children, but also has far-reaching positive consequences for our health and the planet.”
Visitors can sample plant-based cuisine from dozens of local restaurants, bakeries, caterers and national brands; and they can explore the tasty, eco-friendly, cruelty-free and/or healthy products and services of more than 100 exhibitors. Cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, cookbooks, literature and more provide plenty of ways to learn about the hows and whys of a plant-based lifestyle.
The presentation schedule kicks off at 11:15 a.m. with an introduction to VegMichigan, followed by Dr. Alan Goldhamer on “Escaping the Dietary Trap” at 11:30 a.m., actress Simone Reyes on “Activate to Liberate: The Vegan Revolution” at 12:30 p.m., NBA champ John Salley on “The BETTA Life” at 1:30 p.m. and Mercy for Animals president Nathan Runkle on “The Power of Our Plates: Saving Animals at Every Meal” at 2:30 p.m.
The event runs from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Suburban Collection Showplace is located at 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi. Admission is $12 prepaid or $15 at the door; free for children under 6 and free for VegMichigan members.
VegFest is sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Better Health Stores, with support from Meijer, 93.9 The River, A Well-Fed World and others.
For memberships, discounts and information on sponsorship, exhibiting, volunteering or the day's schedule, call 877-778-3464 or visit www.vegmichigan.org.