Sarnia Vegfest returns to spread word about vegan options

Sarnia Vegfest returns Sunday to Canatara Park.

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Admission is free for the event featuring vendors, live music and DJs, children’s activities, a vegan cooking demonstration, presentations, beach yoga and other activities from 10 am to 6 pm

“I think that most people know what the word vegan is and means now, whereas many did not before Sarnia Vegfest was launched in 2017,” said founder Tosha Lobsinger, who was born and raised in Sarnia and now lives in Vancouver.

“Many places in Sarnia have vegan options now, whereas only a couple did back then,” she said.

The festival ran annually for three years before the pandemic and returned to Sarnia Park last summer.

“I do think there has been profound and positive change in the community, with more awareness, options and open-mindedness towards learning about and choosing vegan options, whether it’s all the time or sometimes,” said Lobsinger.

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It rained last year “but we still had a great turnover and a great time,” she said. “It was nice to be back, as well, after the pandemic.”

Along with no admission charge, the event includes many free activities, Lobsinger said.

“We’ve got DJs, live music, children’s book-reading circles” as well as presentations about the benefits of a plant-based diet, she said.

There will also be a vegan cooking demonstration by Sarnia chef Paresh Thakker.

“He has been offering vegan options at Personal Touch (Eatery and Catering) for a long time,” Lobsinger said. “We’re excited to have him involved.”

There will also be a presentation about vegan fashion, Lobsinger said.

“In fashion, like in a lot of industries, there’s a lot of animal cruelty,” she said.

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The presentation will talk about plant-based alternatives to materials like leather, wool and silk, Lobsinger said.

Vegfest is sponsored by the Animal Alliance of Canada.

“There are so many benefits to choosing vegan alternatives, from human health to environmental health,” as well as benefiting animal rights “which also comes back to human physical and mental health, and aligns towards our natural tendency towards non-violence and compassion to others,” she said.

“The purpose of Sarnia Vegfest is to share different options” and provide education, and “build community around shared values,” Lobsinger said.

It’s also an opportunity to celebrate businesses offering vegan alternatives, and have “a good time enjoying the beautiful nature” in Canatara Park, she said.

About 20 vendors are expected to offer vegan food and drinks, jewelry and beauty products, she said.

“We’ve got a really cute thrift shop coming,” Lobsinger said. “It’s a van that has been turned into a thrift shop promoting using recycled clothing and not just sending things to landfill.”

Information about Vegfest and Sunday’s events can be found online at www.sarniavegfest.com.

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