I don’t even know how to describe the past year. I know it’s only November, but our festivals are completed for the year. It’s been strange, it’s been good, it’s been disappointing, it’s been incredible, it’s been stressful, it’s been rewarding, and sometimes each of these rolled up into one big ball of ups and downs.

This past weekend was Triangle Vegfest at the Durham Armory and like the Asheville education day, this education day was also a bust. I’m so sad about this. We used to see 500 people come through on the dedicated education day and this year if there were 20 people listening to our speakers that was a lot. I hear you loud and clear, you don’t want this anymore. We will not do dedicated education days in 2026. I am looking into moving to virtual talks again then you can watch at your leisure and learn what you choose on your own schedule.

I can’t thank all our educators enough. They attended the festivals at their own expense and they did a terrific job. To those of you who joined in on one of the talks and/or cooking demos. Thank you! Would you be interested in watching virtual talks and conversations? Cooking Demos?

What’s Coming

Next year we might mix things up. The Vegan Squad and I are going to come up with ideas that will make these events pop and welcome more people and encourage attendance.

Let me share one of the best things about this past weekend. I asked the vendors if they would be willing to give away food to people who have an EBT card. In case you don’t know, the government is holding back the funds causing over 42M Americans to be even more food insecure then they already are. No one should be hungry. Our amazing vendors came through and they gave food to the attendees who showed their EBT cards. On the flip side, I asked the attendees to bring non perishable food items to donate to the food insecure. They did! Grow to Life took all the donations and will ensure they get into the mouths of those who are in need.

Pay this forward

Continuing to pay this forward, locally Pure Vegan Cafe is giving food to EBT card recipients and they are a collection location for nonperishable, unexpired food and hygiene items. I will ensure the donations get into the correct hands.

Want to do this in your city? Reach out to the local businesses. Find a central location where people can donate and you can pick up the donations and get them to the food shelters. If you are in need, reach out. I don’t care where you are, I will find someone local to you that will help you. If you didn’t see the reel I created regarding this, you can view it here.

I’ve needed help at certain times over the course of my almost 56 years. Friends have come through for me during the hardest of times and recently some incredible vegans have helped revive us from not being able to continue bringing these festivals to your cities. You can’t live a full life and not understand what struggling is, unless you are stupid wealthy. If you’re stupid wealthy then I hope you are doing good with that money and helping others. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do!

There was some drama over the weekend involving a vendor, but I’ll leave it at that. It’s over with. It’s done with. Lessons are learned. In the almost 12 years of doing this I can count on one hand the number of vendors that are no longer welcome to our events. I’d say that’s an amazing track record.

Again, thank you for reading. Thank you for being a part of what we do and for showing the world what Veganism in Action looks like.