By Rachel Stevenson

I tried going vegan permanently nearly three years ago. I joined the Pan Advocacy Network (PAN) after a chat with an advocate, and then attended weekly classes, in the Phoenixville Hospital conference room, on the benefits of going vegan for both health and environmental reasons.

My vegan journey lasted eight months – a small victory for me, as I had gone vegetarian at age sixteen, but gave up two days later when Mom served chicken fajitas for dinner.

I’ve toyed with the idea of attempting the journey again, but I’ve found it a challenge to separate my mouth from bacon and shrimp. Most often eaten together.

On Saturday, I attended the first Phoenixville VegFest on behalf of my non-profit organization, LGBT Equality Alliance, in downtown Phoenixville at the intersection of Bridge and Main Streets.

Vegan community leaders and my personal friends, Jeesely Soto, Zoe Sakos, and Anne Murphy organized the inaugural event. I’ve attended many events in Phoenixville since moving here over ten years ago, and this was by far my favorite.

Even the new Gangster Vegan off of Gay Street celebrated their grand opening as part of this afternoon festival.

A feast for both eyes and taste buds, VegFest included everything from pigs that paint to tasty temptations from Vegan Treats, my all-time favorite bakeshop out of Bethlehem, PA.

Attempting to watch my girlish figure, I avoided the dessert booth like the plague. I refused to even make eye contact, assuming the calories might seep in while peeking.

I spent five hours socializing with friends, connecting with community members, and networking with the various vendors in attendance.

The guy in the booth next to us cried, “Breath” and “Love Yourself” on his megaphone throughout the day. Then sold t-shirts adorned with those phrases.

I purchased the sweetest peach I’ve ever tasted from Nourish Mobile, an initiative by the Good Samaritan Shelter “to employ local shelter residents, nourish the community, and advance local economic development.” Keith Misner leads the project.

Then I enjoyed vegan hummus, guacamole, an Indian Buddha Bowl, and juices from other vegan food vendors.

I drooled past the PB&J food truck and sampled BBQ jackfruit from Uncle B’s BBQ Shack. I was surprised that their non-meat barbecue tasted so good.

Musicians entertained the crowd throughout the event, and restaurants and shops all around town featured vegan-friendly items on their menu and featured product listings.

While my meat cravings haven’t yet subsided, I am reminded by why I went vegan in the first place. It would be hard to argue the plethora of healthy and fulfilling vegan options available these days.

To learn more about PAN, click here. To find a listing of upcoming Phoenixville events and festivals, click here.