The NCVA is thrilled to sthare with everyone that Mayor Jim Watson is proclaiming May 1 Veg Fest Day in Ottawa.

“This is a solid statement on how far not only the NCVA and Veg Fest have come, but also the growing acceptance of veganism amongst a more mainstream audience,” says NCVA President Josh Flower. “The NCVA is committed to promoting veganism to the widest audience possible, and offering our support to anyone who wants it.  We are delighted to be on the leading edge of this evolution locally, and to have our efforts recognized by the Mayor of Ottawa.”

Seriously though– how cool is this!?

And of course, there’s no better place to celebrate “Veg Fest Day in Ottawa” on May 1 than at the event itself, the third annual celebration of veg food and lifestyles in the region put on by the National Capital Vegetarian Association (NCVA) and sponsored by The Table Vegetarian Restaurant.

“Veg Fest is a fun event for anyone wanting to learn more about healthy and conscious eating, and plant-based lifestyles. I visited the event in 2010 and I was impressed by its professionalism, dynamism, and of course the delicious food!” Mayor Watson says. “My great experience at Veg Fest ’10 prompted me to want to share this event with all of Ottawa, which I’m doing by proclaiming May 1 Veg Fest Day in Ottawa.”

As most blog followers already know, Veg Fest will be held at the Glebe Community Centre (175 Third Avenue), Sunday May 1 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free. It features a variety of exhibitors, guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, a silent auction, and the inaugural NCVA Vegan Cupcake Challenge for which a panel of local celebrity judges will crown best amateur vegan cupcake baker in Ottawa.

President Flower discovered the NCVA when he attended the first Veg Fest in 2009, and is thrilled to be presiding over his first Veg Fest as President. “Veg Fest is a fantastic and positive opportunity to learn more about plant-based diets and the multitude of businesses and resources available in Ottawa to support this lifestyle,” he says. “It’s also family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will enjoy interacting with our friendly mascots including the pea in a pod and the carrot. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the friendly rivalry between Pea in a Pod and Auntie Loo is reignited at the event.”