Veg Out at Saturday's Tampa Bay Veg Fest

The bay area’s only vegetarian/vegan festival is back for its second year with a new title sponsor (Whole Foods), a new featured speaker (Carol Leifer), and a new location (Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park). 

Veg Fest is a free, day-long, family-oriented festival which promises something for everyone, especially those who follow a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. Approximately 3,000 people attended last year’s celebration, and 2011 will include guest speakers and performers; games and puppet shows; healthy living, eco-friendly, and nonprofit exhibitors; live music; local vendor and restaurants samplings; animal adoptions and more. 

Founder Isabelle Tassi was inspired in 2009 after her Orlando-based friends suggested she replicate their model (the Central Florida Veg Fest is now in its sixth year) and bring the event to Tampa.

“I had attended other conferences and festivals throughout the country, and they are always filled with positive energy, interesting information and, of course, delicious food," Tassi said. "I thought this would be a great opportunity for those who couldn’t travel (beyond Tampa), as I’m really passionate about sharing this healthy lifestyle with others."

The inaugural event was held at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, but has moved to accommodate the crowd in terms of size and comfort. “We had more attendees than anticipated, and city representatives suggested Cotanchobee, which is slightly bigger,” said Tassi. 

In addition, the Tampa Bay History Center (located next to Cotanchobee) will host several films, speakers and puppet shows.

Presented by Florida Voices for Animals (FVA), the event coincides with the 29th anniversary of World Farm Animals Day. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization’s intent is to raise awareness on a variety of animal-related concerns, ranging from domestic abuse and neglect to wildlife issues to vivisection (defined as: animal experimentation especially if considered to cause distress to the subject).

Founded 22 years ago by the mother and daughter team of Elena Flanagan and Myriam Parham, FVA works primarily on a volunteer basis. (Tassi is a Board Member.) 

55-year-old Carol Leifer converted to a vegan lifestyle four years ago. She was a regular meat eater when she was asked to emcee an L.A.-based event for rescued farm animals. What started out as a routine gig resulted in a complete eye-opening experience for the Long Island, NY-born comedian, who has opened for both Jerry Seinfeld and Frank Sinatra.

“I’m embarrassed to say that I had never given much thought to where my food came from, and was unaware of the horrors the animals suffered,” Leifer said.

She took advantage of her newfound “downtime” during the 2007-08 writer’s strike by reading books and watching videos on the subject. She now feels better not “being part of the cruelty” and proudly embraces her age. “Not eating meat has had a tremendous impact on my health and well-being," she said. "I’m proof that you can make a difference at any age.”

Despite the serious subject matter, Leifer is still a comedian at heart, and fans should still anticipate some side-splitting laughter. “Humor always resonates more than lecturing," Leifer said. "I think you can spread the word in fun and humorous ways. Plus, I love to meet those who care about animals; I really embrace that camaraderie."  

Fans will have the opportunity to obtain signed copies of her 208-page bestseller, “When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win: Reflections on Looking in the Mirror,” which was touted by Seinfeld, Bill Maher, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Larry David and many others. 

Primary sponsor Whole Foods Market is this year’s title sponsor. According to Maria Gumina, marketing and community relations representative, the Austin, TX-based supermarket chain will offer samples at their display booth, and conduct a cooking demo that focuses on delicious and satisfying nutrient-packed meals. 

“Many of our customers are either vegetarian or vegan, and even if you’re not, it’s a great opportunity to incorporate more vegetables into your diet because there are some great-tasting options for carnivores. In addition, we have free healthy eating cooking classes every week, as well as a monthly vegetarian cooking class,” said Gumina.

So, what is the primary message? 

“We want to show omnivores them that there is a different way to live, based on diet of plant-based foods that are delicious, healthy and economical.  These options are better for your health, the planet, and the animals,” said Tassi.

Details for the 2nd Annual Tampa Bay Veg Fest:

When:  Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St. (downtown Tampa) on the south side of Old Water Street, across from the St. Pete Times Forum, on Hillsborough River.

Admission:  Free

Parking:  Available at several area garages, lots and metered street spaces.  Nearest garage is the South Regional Parking Garage (301 Channelside Dr.) across from the park, and just west of the Forum.

Miscellaneous:  Companion animals on leashes are welcome. Visit TampaBayVegFest.org for more information.