40th Vegetarian Summerfest Starts Today

The 40th annual Vegetarian Summerfest kicks off today, as numerous foodies, health enthusiasts, and cruelty-free connoisseurs gather at the University of Pittsburgh campus at Johnstown to learn about all things veg-related, from health to animal welfare to the environment. Summerfest is a four-day affair, ending on July 6, and not only will attendees be able to listen to leading health professionals talk about fitness and dieting and vegan advocacy, but they will also be able to take yoga and Tai Chi classes, hike through a mountain wildlife preserve, and eat meals prepared by vegan chef Mark Reinfeld. Some keynote speakers at the conference include T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study, Jenny Brown, found of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, and Howard Lyman, a one-time rancher turned vegan author. VegNews’ publishers and founders Joseph Connelly and Colleen Holland were inducted into the Vegetarian Hall of Fame at this very conference in 2009 for their work in starting VegNews.