What started as a few people with a desire to share vegetarian food and a vegetarian lifestyle has grown into a full-blown festival.
People from across the Hauraki district and beyond are invited to mark their calendars on November 8, when the Waihī Veg Fest will hold its 9th annual festival at the Waihī Academy grounds at 132 Landlyst Rd.
The Waihī Veg Fest event committee told The Profile the goal was to show how plant-based food could be delicious, benefit people’s general health and be kinder to the environment and all living beings.
When the festival first started in 2015, very few people knew what it was about.
“Slowly, it has grown bigger and gained popularity over the years. During the Covid pandemic, we had to cancel the event in 2020 and 2021.”
The Waihī Veg Fest not only survived the setback, but they said it expanded from a food-only event to a popular food/exhibition/workshop festival.
It was thanks to the support of the community and all the visitors and volunteers who traveled from near and far to participate, they said.
“More volunteers who shared similar values joined in, and gradually the Waihī Veg Fest became one of the most popular annual events in the region. We’re excited and extremely grateful.”
People who attend the festival in November can expect to find “an incredible mix” of more than 35 vegetarian and vegan cuisines from different cultures, plus live performances, DIY workshops, exhibitions and health and wellness stations.
It was important to note that Waihī Veg Fest was also fully allium-free, the committee said, with no onions, garlic, leeks or shallots in the festival food.
“It means even more people can enjoy the food together, including those who avoid onion and garlic or follow a low-Fodmap diet.”
The committee looked forward to people being able to experience a lifestyle of vegetarianism, “living in harmony” with nature and each other and a fun day out with friends and family.
“It’s free entry and free parking, family friendly, and dogs on leashes are welcome,” they said.
“It’s a great fun day out that brings people from different backgrounds and districts together.”
DETAILS: Waihī Veg Fest on November 8 from 10am to 3pm at Waihī Academy, 132 Landlyst Road, Waihī. Free festival entry and parking.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
