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Remember this?

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Capital Vegetarian Association’s volunteers, Veg Fest is back for 2012.  Last year the NCVA hit it out of the park, and this year it will be bigger and better than ever.

How, you ask?

The only concern people have expressed about the event is that it is outgrowing its venue. Last year the event attracted nearly 3,000 people, and the Glebe Community Centre was bursting at the seams.

But what to do? Ottawa lacks affordable, multi-purpose venues that do not have locked down food service contracts, so NCVA organizers were limited. Plus, the Glebe Community Centre is absolutely beautiful, a perfect venue for the event.

The solution?  The NCVA can’t take full credit, it was Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson who put forward the suggestion at last year’s event.

The NCVA is taking it to the street. That’s right, in addition to its usual set-up, Veg Fest will be expanding outside the GCC, into the street, and across to the school across the street.  Guest speakers will have an expanded venue, as will food demonstrators.

So here are the deets. Veg Fest will take place on Sunday, April 29 this year, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.  There will be guest speakers (stay tuned for announcements). There will be food demonstrators, including Rogers Television’s Kathy Smart and Credible Edibles‘ Judi Varga Toth.

There will be loads of fabulous exhibitors and free samples. There will be a cow, a carrot, a pea, and a planet earth walking about for photo ops.  A silent auction will once again raise money to support the NCVA’s activities.

And this year, the NCVA is introducing a 31-day vegan challenge, which will launch at the Veg Fest.

Planning is still underway, and announcements will be made as the big day draws nearer.

The NCVA is counting on you all to cross post, tweet, and promote the heck out of Veg Fest so that there is a crowd to match the expanded venue.  Veg Fest can only succeed with community support- help the NCVA hit 4,000 in 2012!

Stay tuned…