No Vegfest for 2007: The committee to organize Vegfest has decided that our limited resources this year will be best utilized by concentrating on regular, grassroots outreach and that we have chosen to postpone Vegfest for a future year. We welcome volunteers to participate in outreach and organizing.
About VegFest
First held in 2004, VegFest is a great chance for you to learn more about vegetarianism and veganism, good nutrition and animals in our society. It's also a wonderful opportunity to eat free animal-friendly food, listen and dance to local performance artists, and learn more about all the different organizations working for animal protection in our community. Held in concert with Earth Day, VegFest is a great opportunity to get out into the summer weather and enjoy a lively community spirit!
2004 featured presentations from Dr. George Eisman, Professor Chris Foster, "Cattleman" Tom Rodgers, Iroman Triathelete Brendan Brazier, and author Sandra Packard. Musical performers included Marv Hamilton, False Face Society, Melissa Warner, Trace Wiren and Chris Foster. Food was provided by Bangkok Thai.
2005 featured presentations from Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), "Mad Cowboy" Howard Lyman, Dr. Michael Greger and BYU Professor Chris Foster. Musical performers included award-winning bands like Debi Graham Band and Tolchok Trio. There was loads of free food from a variety of vendors and, most interesting to some, the world's first veggie dog eating competition!
About SOAR
Formed in 1999, the Student Organization for Animal Rights (SOAR) promotes vegetarian and vegan lifestyles at the University of Utah; educates students, faculty, and staff about animal cruelty and ways to prevent it; assists other groups and individuals working to abolish animal cruelty -- and does it all in a nonviolent, open, and respectful manner.
One of the most active student groups on campus, SOAR tables weekly in the University Union building and at concerts around the valley. Some past events include cholesterol and cruelty-free potlucks, twenty-four hour a day, month-long encampments to protest the experimentation on animals in campus laboratories, public forums with experts from around the world, and community forums on the ethics of compassion.
