Syracuse Vegfest is THIS Sunday. Please join us for this awesome festival at the NYS Fairgrounds from 12p to 5p. You can see the live map and vendor list by clicking here.

FARM USA is a collaborative partner once again for this event. We will partner with FARM next year on DC Vegfest, Fairfax Vegfest, and Bethesda Vegfest.

Syracuse Vegfest & March for Animals

It's time for Syracuse Vegfest. It's this Sunday and I am writing this from Syracuse, New York. The drive was beautiful between Frederick, MD and Syracuse. It was nice to see the mountains and bonus, it's been beautiful up here. If you are close by, please join us.

Today I went to the March for Animals to protest at the Wayne County DA's Office. A whistleblower has shared some of what goes on at Marshall Labs, an animal testing facility in North Rose, NY. At this facility over 14,000 beagles and over 30,000 other animals are tested on daily. It's horrendous. They marched from Albany to Rochester and on Saturday (9/26) they go to Marshall Labs to protest and show the world what happens there and why it needs to stop! This was an incredible undertaking and I'm very proud of everyone that was involved in making it happen.

Quick newsletter this week. There's still a lot to do for the festival. Plus, I have been able to play pickleball. :)

Have a great week. Next week I head to the Bahamas for my nephew's wedding so I might be writing this from there.

Let's Vegfest!

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Important Stuff Right Here

Syracuse is this Sunday then we have a fundraiser on October 11 in Morrisville, NC with speakers and a full vegan buffet at Sip N Spices then we head to Asheville on October 25. Sip N Spice Fundraising Dinner (click to get tickets)

Vendors, get registered for the fall festivals so you don't miss out!

I created a poll that I am asking for serious feedback. Why do you attend the festivals? What gets you out the door on the event day? What are you looking forward to the most? What is missing that would tip the scales? We especially want to hear from you if you are not vegan yet. How do we get more people in the door that are not vegan?

We are looking for Brand Ambassadors. Fill out this form and we will be in touch soon!

We created a Fourthwall shop. You can click this link to see what designs we have up. There's t-shirts, hoodies, and long sleeve shirts in many colors to choose from. If you love pickleball, I have some designs for you to sport while playing. Every purchase supports the nonprofit. Thanks for checking it out.

Whimsy Wares has been updated with all new plate and bowl designs. These adorably themed designs would be super fun to eat off of or out of or just to have on a decorative shelf in your house. Remember, all of the designs can be customized with a name. Check out the website and let us know what you think or even better, we hope you love them so much that you place an order. All funds go towards the nonprofit.

Serve up some joy at your next meal with the most energetic member of our Whimsical Society: The Pickleball Pup! Perched proudly on a leafy oak branch, this cheerful, floppy-eared golden pup is ready for court side action, sporting a dapper black academic cap while holding a beautifully detailed pickleball paddle in its mouth. Perfectly capturing a love for the game and a classic, scholarly style, this piece brings an instant smile to the table.

The plates and bowls are unbreakable! They are also free from any chemicals!

You can also design your own plate. Go have fun designing. If you need help, reach out.

Weekly News Items

If you're a vendor and are interested in joining us at any of other events, please click here. We have moved all the events to Marketspread. Volunteers can fill out this form. I will send reminders. The links below will be updated as the events open. We have a vendor page on our website that has been updated as well.

Syracuse Vegfest - Sept 27, 2026 - Syracuse, NY (indoors)

Sip N Spice Fundraising Dinner - Oct 11, 2026 - Morrisville, NC (open)

Asheville Fall - Oct 25, 2026 - Asheville, NC (outdoors/open)

Georgia Vegfest - November 7, 2026 - Cobb County Civic Center - GA (indoors/open)

Durham Winter Event - February 28, 2027 - Durham Armory (indoors)

The DC Vegfest - April 4, 2027 - Nats Park - DC (opening by Oct)

Asheville Veganfest Spring - June 6, 2027 - Pack Square Park (opens in Jan)

Triangle Vegfest - Sept 12, 2027 - Durham, NC (outdoors/open)

Bethesda Vegfest - Fall 2027 - Bethesda, MD (outdoors)

Asheville Veganfest Fall - October 24, 2027 - Pack Square Park (opens in May)

Fairfax Vegfest - TBD - Herndon, VA - NW Federal Credit Union (outdoors)

The Refuge is our September Sponsor of the Month

Our love for Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge never waivers. Once again, they are the Presenting Sponsor of Triangle Vegfest and have been since we started in 2014. Their annual gala is coming up on November 15. You can get tickets by clicking here. They are also hosting a a Three Little Pigs 5K trail run on October 10. You can register for the run by clicking here.

Every time you support this incredible sanctuary you are helping them care for over 100 farmed animals and their campaign to save pigs to add them to the mix of animals that call The Refuge home.

You can also see the documentary created by Alison Argo, Forever Home. They are hosting a streaming party, 9/26 - 10/3, and 25% of the funds will be donated back to The Refuge. The film is about Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge and features Lenore and Paul. It's a lovely film. You can get your ticket by clicking here. On October 3 you can join in on a live chat with Alison, Paul, and Lenore.

Let's Get Cooking with our Recipe of the Week: Cauliflower Bites

This week's recipe is courtesy of VegNews and Dustin Harder.

A little spicy and certainly savory, these Buffalo Everything Cauliflower Bites can be deep fried or air fried, and either way, they will be delicious. Get the recipe here. 

Are you going to make this? Let us know what you think and tag us on your socials with a picture of the finished product! #vegfestexposrecipes