About
It started as a facebook conversation in June of 2015.
Why (it was wondered "aloud" to whomever was reading that day) wasn't there a large scale vegan expo and festival in an area like the Hudson Valley, a place literally filled with vegetables and veg farms, and home to many vegan startups, meetups and animal advocacy organizations?"
The conversation continued and the rest, as they say, is history. Putting in two years of preparation and work, Hudson Valley Vegfest debuted in September of 2017, bringing in 2500 people to an incredible, 42,000 square foot indoor event space in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Now in our fourth year, having moved to Ulster County in 2019 (and an exciting cultural and creative space in Kingston NY) the 2020 unfortunately festival had to be canceled due to Covid-19, but we are planning to return in 2022, and feel the festival has a huge part in our regions future, more than ever. In the first three years, the festival continued to grow and reach more people. We are truly proud that all net proceeds go to supporting the work and growth of The Institute for Animal Happiness, a unique "microsanctuary" animal rescue, advocacy and humane education 501(c)3 organization in Woodstock NY. Festival proceeds have supported enhancing animal housing and care, veterinary care for the residents and increasing the educational outreach efforts of this special haven for non-humans.
The beautiful Hudson Valley - its people, wildlife and all animals, natural wonders, amazing produce farmers, communities and businesses - needed an event that not only strongly promoted the healthy, sustainable and compassionate lifestyle communities that are rooted here, but which aims to attract and foster more growth of ethical values in our food system and world. Veganism is gaining more and more mainstream respect and understanding. There are many exciting food, societal and environmental revolutions that veganism intersects with and HVVF has sought to showcase the absolute best of everything kind and green, vegetable, plant-based, healthy, regenerative, ethical, intersectional, sustainable and compassionate in the HV, while at the same time throwing down the welcome mat to people, organizations and businesses from all over who are on the cutting edge of true change. We knew it was past time - and crucial - to put a bigger spotlight on vegan awareness and humane education in this region.
With the Covid-19 pandemic emergency upon us right now climate crisis awareness growing, food justice conversations being amplified and discussions boosting awareness of the many benefits of veganism in the media and to the entire global community, shifting to a vegan way of life has become an imperative and a call to action. HV Vegfest seeks to make crucial information as accessible as possible.
Whether you take part as a sponsor, vendor, speaker or presenter… whether you already are vegan or just are curious to learn more… whether you attend by yourself or with friends or your entire class, Hudson Valley Vegfest is dedicated to showing you all the vegan world has to offer, under one big exciting roof!
Sincerely,
Rebecca and Helena
Co-producers, Hudson Valley Vegfest
Scenes from the beautiful Hudson Valley (photos by James Van Alstine)
