SoCal VegFest 2017

Just after opening.

This year was the third annual SoCal Vegfest at the OC Fairplex.  Food, clothing, and advocate booths lined the hall.  Outside were a number of ice cream, pastry, hot food, and beverage stands.  Kettle One, one of the sponsors, was handing out samples of vodka+soda, with your choice of mix-ins.  While it was a fun event, and we were able to go both days, there was definitely room for improvement.

K-Cup soup from Be Leaf.

Free sample bag of Lakanto
Erythritol + Monkfruit sweetener 

Since VegFest took place on the same days as the swap meet, parking was a bit of a mess.  There were hardly any signs directing cars to the lot for VegFest goers.  There was also an option to park across the street at the college, but again, the lack of signs made it confusing.  On the first day there was a long line for those who purchased tickets.  The line soon became two, but there were three or four doors for ticket holders.  If you bought VIP tickets, you had to get the wrist band and goody bag at the info table.  When I approached the front of the table, I was told that I had to go around to the side.  There was no order.  Volunteers weren't where they were supposed to be (their words, not mine), and nobody seemed to know what was going on.  Nobody checked my name off of the list, and the wristband was put on way too tight.  It was so disorganized, and we had only been in the room for a couple of minutes.  Of course, when it was a moot point, they actually had taped lines to the floor at the information booth for VIP check-in.

Miyoko's Creamery Butter
(my favorite!)

Fruit Infusions

After getting the mess at check-in sorted out, we began to wander the aisles.  We started at one end and worked our way to the other side.  It's interesting.  Everyone (this is more directed at the attendees) is all about animal compassion and respect, yet they didn't treat their fellow humans with any regard.  It was such an odd juxtaposition.  People bumped into you without even a glance, and many didn't have the patience to wait in lines like the rest of us for samples.  One woman reached passed me, and with her bare hand, reached into the pile of chocolate samples.  She should have waited in line and used the tongs provided, but no.  Then, another woman literally shoved me out of the way for a sample of soup...SOUP!

A snippet of the outside.

Al pastor nachos from Cena Vegan.

Vegan Dots

Kettle One and Soda.

Hug Life was best
next to the Vegan Dots.

Not my favorite.  Coconut doesn't
go with everything.

Aside from all of the rude attendees, it was fun getting to see all of the different cruelty-free products.  Sampling the items wasn't bad either.  I bought some things I never would have normally (like Kelly's Croutons-- not a fan normally, but theirs are soooo good), and found new brands that I will buy from often.  Punk Rawk Labs makes some of the best vegan cheese I've had.  The smoked, which isn't overly smokey because there is no liquid smoke directly added (they use smoked sea salt), and the nacho is spot-on.  I wish I had bought more because it was such a good deal.  I was excited to see Miyoko's Creamery because their vegan butter is, in my opinion, the best around.  It was $5 instead of the usual $9 at the store.  Needless to say, I stocked up. 

Some other goodies we bought.

Over the weekend, we had some vegan nachos with al pastor, which fooled my fiance.  If you closed your eyes, you would never know it was vegan.  Then we shared a vegan pizza slice, which was AMAZING.  And, for the first time, the sauce didn't make me sick.  Normally, red sauce upsets my stomach, but this one didn't.  We were going to try some fried "chicken" and "ribs" but they were way too overpriced.  We did get some agua frescas (I got watermelon + cucumber/lemon) and vegan dots.  They taste just like dippin' dots, but without the coated feeling that dairy can leave.  The cups were also pricey-- everything was at fair prices, but worth indulging ($6.00/small).

More in the goody bag.  Sorry
for the yellow light!

The goody bag contents.

We also got this small print
and sample bag from Bragg's.

Would we go next year?  Absolutely.  Even though the crowds were rude, it was well worth it-- especially since the prices on what we normally buy were such good deals.  We also found brands we will buy from from now on, and we made some great friends.  The goody bag, at first, didn't seem like it was worth it.  After going through it, and seeing the shirt plus all of the freebies (many in coupon form), it was worth the $40.00; plus, it included entrance for both days.  Unfortunately, there are some coupons I might not be able to redeem since there isn't that specific product or store nearby. 

Did you attend SocCal VegFest?  Let us know what you thought below.

Stay beautiful!