A list of vendors was available to attendees via a sign in the middle of the park, along with a map featuring important locations and an itinerary for the stage, located on the west end of the park.

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On August 16, Spencer Smith Park was host to the fifth annual Burlington VegFest, a vegan festival in the city. Booths were set up throughout the park, housing vendors who sold vegan food, clothing, self-care products and jewelry. The event ran from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and admission was free.

Fiona Roossien took to the stage three times, while Eartha Lowe gave a talk about getting started with vegan cooking, and Dr. Linda Plowright spoke about the connection between nutrition and mental health. Vegan activist and singer Stephanie Braganza also provided live music for guests from 1:05 p.m. to 1:55 p.m.

Signs promoting veganism were placed around the park, with many including quotes from vegan celebrities.

Andrea Rideout, owner of vegan skincare product line Lavish Earth, has been coming to VegFest since the beginning. She spoke about the benefits of the new location.

Andrea Rideout (pictured) is the owner of Lavish Earth, who sell vegan skincare products that are housed in environmentally friendly, biodegradable packaging.

“ We’ve been loving it [Spencer Smith Park],” Rideout said. “There’s so much more exposure, and the view is beautiful. There’s a lot more space here.”

Rideout spoke about the benefits of working with natural ingredients. “ I really love working with all the plant-based oils,” Rideout said. “They’re just so nice on your skin with all the antioxidants and vitamins that they have. They can nourish and hydrate the skin really well.”

Daksh Srivastava, a volunteer at the festival, said that VegFest was a “goldmine” for volunteer hours, which he needed for his high school graduation. Each volunteer was designated with a blue shirt that said “Veganteer” on the back.

While not vegan himself, Srivastava said he is considering making the change. “ I noticed that the vegan food they offered was quite amazing compared to what my expectations were,” Srivastava said. “A lot of the food they served tasted very similar to the real thing.”

Bring Me Some was a particularly popular spot to get food at the event, with a consistent lineup and many guests walking around with a cup of their fried “chickun” and waffle fries.

Lynn Dutton, the owner and creator behind jewelry line Green Eyed Kitty, spoke about what her craft means to her. “ I take pride in my jewelry because it’s all handmade, and I source my gemstones,” Dutton said. “I only use sterling silver and gold-filled.”

Lynn Dutton (pictured) is the owner of Green Eyed Kitty. Dutton has been making jewelry since she was a teenager and started her business 10 years ago.

Dutton said that she enjoys events like VegFest because of the social aspect and the positive reaction to her products. She said that business can be “hit or miss” at festivals, but, being vegan herself, says that it’s important for her to be at VegFest.

“ I think a lot of people come here for the food,” Dutton said. “I did a handmade market a couple of weekends ago on Lake Erie, and I did way better, because it was all handmade. So not everybody’s here for jewelry, but I want to support my community.”