Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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12 UCW MAY 15-21, 2019 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Vegan Festival brings speakers, educators and more by DR. SHANESSA FENNER EVENT Many people grew up with their elders reminding them to eat their vegetables. It turns out they were onto something. Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center presents Fayetteville's 2nd Annual Vegan Festival on Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the corner of An- derson and Old Streets in downtown Fayetteville. "e general purpose of this festival is to encourage our community … to live more of a compassionate lifestyle and to have more of an educational purpose to what the vegan lifestyle is," said Audriaunna Kitterman, executive director for Fay- etteville's Vegan Festival. "We encourage everyone to become more aware of what plant-based nutri- tion will be able to provide for them in the long term of their family and those around them." e vegan diet involves no meat or dairy. "You are alleviating the meat and dairy and substituting them with plant-based (alternatives)," said Kitterman. "In essence, it is going to help one sustain more of a prolific lifestyle, help overcome a lot of health con- cerns and ailments and help with living nutrients that are predominantly derived within these plant-based alternatives. And the living enzymes help one overcome diseases and cancer (by) breaking down (inflammation) and more." ere will be five panelists at the festival. "Dr. Sailesh Rao is the co-producer of two largely known documentaries, which are 'Cowspiracy' and 'What the Health,'" said Kitterman. "He will educate the community on his philosophy and passion and (share) what he plans to continuously do for the com- munity on a worldwide basis." Kitterman said the addi- tional panelists include Daniel Turbert, Adrian Burgos, Tita Nieves and Erin Fergus. ey will share their journeys about tran- sitioning to the vegan lifestyle, bring awareness about mass-produced farm animals, give insight on the importance of plant-based nutrition and talk about how the vegan lifestyle affects physical and emotional well-being. Festival vendors include vegan-friendly busi- nesses and groups like food preparation demonstra- tors, musicians, wellness organizations, educational organizations and more. "Our first vegan festival was amazing, and it was outstanding to see such a remarkable response from the community," said Kitterman. "We had about 2,500 people that flooded Anderson and Old Streets. e compassion, joy and love that everyone shared with one another was truly a beautiful feeling." Vegan food vendors will be on-site. Donations are appreciated. Individuals who make a $20 dona- tion or more will receive a T-shirt and peace bag with samples of vegan products and coupons. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to animal shelters and rescue groups around the United States to help and protect animals in need. e event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.veganfestivalfaync.com or call 910-483-8406. Fayetteville's 2nd Annual Vegan Festival is set for May 25. e panel includes Dr. Sailesh Rao, the co-producer of two largely known documentaries — "Cowspiracy" and "What the Health." DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Prin- cipal, WT Brown Elementary School. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200. *Some restrictions and limitations may apply. Subject to credit approval and credit history. Visit www.BraggMutual.org to learn more. MAIN OFFICE 2917 VILLAGE DRIVE, FAYET TEVILLE D OWNTOWN 201 HAY STREET, FAYET TEVILLE SPRING L AKE 219 N. MAIN STREET, SPRING LAKE STOP BY OUR BRANCH TODAY No Closing Cost HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT Extra Cash for Big Purchases, Education, & More! UNCOVER TREASURES Your Home's Hidden Your Home's Hidden