We educate and empower people
to make vegetarian choices for
a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate world.

On May 11-12, 2007, Northwest VEG held its Third Annual VegFest: A Compassionate Living Fair. The event inspired and educated approximately 2,000 attendees, with an emphasis on the impact of our food choices and compassionate action. Here are some of the scenes from the event. For more information, please visit www.portlandvegfest.org.

Photos by Charley Korns except those by Peter Spendelow (PS)

Dr. Campbell, left, author of The China Study, was the VegFest keynote speaker, addressing several hundred at Benson High School on the night of May 11.

John Robbins, author of Healthy at 100, spoke to approximately 700 to close VegFest. Other books to his credit include Diet for a New America and the Food Revolution.

A discussion about fitness regimens led to an arm wrestling match between John and Robert Cheeke, a Northwest VEG board member and vegan bodybuilder. John held strong until ...

Robert's training paid off. Wait a minute, it appears that the young girl may have tipped the table, giving Robert the edge.

Squirrel's Vegan Kitchen was one of dozens of exhibitors at VegFest on May 12.

The first chef demo of the day by Bryanna Clark Grogan, left, and Julie Hasson, drew a standing-room-only crowd.

Chef Al Chase led another popular chef demo and with his wife Donna Benjamin staffed their Culinary Awakenings table.

Emiko and Chad of Food Fight! shared samples of their junk food, books, and other vegan parephenalia. As always, rockin' the casbah!

Vegan Syd in chicken attire at the IDA table can also be seen leafletting in front of KFC or along Alberta Street during special events.

The Veg 101 Resource room's free samples, donated by Kinta Restaurant, Blue Moose Cafe, Laughing Planet, and Nicholas proved popular.

The silent auction pulled in thousands in bids. Thanks to Barrett McInnis for organizing it — and all those who donated items and services.

Ed Hoover of Adventist Health explains the services of a hospital that offers only vegetarian food in its cafeteria.

Tree Huggin Treats sampled Crispy Cats, organic vegan candy bars, which defy the evil candy of the universe with their super yummy powers.

Vega samples its energy bars and Vega Meal Replacements, which provide whole food goodness with fast food convenience.

The veg and veg-curious crowds streamed through the entrance to Benson High, totaling approximately 2000 on Saturday, May 12.

Tammy Russell, R.D., NW VEG Thymes editor and Veg 101 presenter, with daughter Sabine.

Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread offered samples of organic, vegan bread.

Papa G's Vegan Organics, provided tasty cuisine, a preview of its daily fare at the hot bar of the Daily Grind on SE Hawthorne.

Ultra Scoops displayed its powdered multi containing a full-spectrum blend of vitamins and other nutritional essentials.

Connie Holz and her daughter Couloir Schietinger helped with the kids' activities and other things.

These Smart Monkeys provided samples of raw goodies, available at stores near you.

An actual kid in the kids' activity area!

Maggie Raczek, volunteer coordinator, gave a Veg 101 talk in addition to directing 150+ volunteers.

Jill Schatz, right, membership coordinator, coached other volunteers in assisting membership signups that totaled more than 100.

Pioneer Organics showed how easy it is to sign up for home delivery of fresh produce.

Jessica Dadds staffed the Vegetarian Resource Group table most of the day.

Kelly Peterson, right, and Jennifer Hillman of The Humane Society of the United States, presented on current issues regarding animal protection, locally and nationally. (PS)

People's Co-op, the only vegetarian co-op in Oregon, shared samples of a few of its tasty products. (PS)

Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D., presented on the pleasures that animals experience, drawn from his new book, Pleasurable Kingdom.

Rabbit Advocate made its case for the care of domestic rabbits — and placing surrendered or abandoned rabbits in loving homes.

Vegi Dog, the only outdoors vendor, made for a convenient meal for fest-goers and passersby.

Even vegan shoes were on display, offered by Jade Planet, though not for snacking.

Volunteers helped check in other volunteers.

Volunteers kept the Parma samples shaking.

LÄRABAR had no trouble handing out hundreds of yummy (and healthy) mini bars.

Teeccino offered a hot brew alternative to coffee.

Equal Exchange provided fair trade coffee and chocolate, a popular combination.

Sweetpea Baking Company offered vegan baked treats of all sorts and T-shirts.