CWI's Vegas VegFest a SUCCESS!

CompassionWorks International has completed our second year hosting "Vegas Vegfest". What began as a simple 'What if we..?' has transcended into an annual event unlike anything the Vegas valley has seen before. Over the last year, Las Vegas has seen an increase in the number of vegan restaurants opening and a surge in the number of vegan-friendly menu options available. The term "Las Vegan" isn't just a nickname for residents of Las Vegas, it's a way of living.

The sun was shining brightly as animal lovers, vegan food fanatics, and the plant-based curious from around the country descended on the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater on September 30th, 2017. The festival was established to be free and accessible to all, enticing people from all walks to sample a new and exciting lifestyle. The first 1,000 people who entered were given delicious cups of Fruity Sea Star cereal by Love Grown.

Local favorites, GFY Burgers and Fries, returned as both a sponsor and a vendor this year. The line to purchase their products never diminished, it stood strong at 100+ all day. Their food looks and tastes so great, a non-vegan can't tell the difference between a GFY burger and their favorite chain. GFY Burgers and Fries shows you what a burger is all about. Other vendors offered items such as veggie burgers, donut burgers, nachos, corn dogs, tacos, fried "chicken", caprese tartine, monkey bread, and all the delicious cake your sweet tooth could handle.

During the event CWI was proud to present our 2017 Animal Hero Award to young Rhyan Antonowicz who gave a powerful speech about the important impact that kids can have to help make a better world for animals!

Presentations included: professional WWE wrestler Austin Aries, executive director of The Gentle Barn; Ellie Laks, director of outreach at Vegan Outreach Victor Sjodin; and award-winning media journalist and author Jane Velez-Mitchell. Visitors were given the chance to learn about how animals are suffering in the food industry, what they can do to help, and environmentally sustainable products. People left with smiles on their faces, their bellies full, and their heart a more open place.

Due to the success of Vegas Vegfest, CompassionWorks International has been invited to host the Vegan Village at the Sunset Park'd Food Truck & Micro Brew Festival. The event will be held at Sunset Park on November 4th, 2017 from 12 pm to 9 pm. Entry to the Vegan Village is free.

More than 70 businesses and organizations came together to provide the community with an opportunity to experience being a superhero firsthand. Thank you to all of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, supporters, visitors, and dedicated fans who poured their time, heart, sweat and tears into Vegas Vegfest. Our success is your success.