Sunday Outing

This is the second time venturing out to what was once The Sanctuary, the little pond behind Hospice where I often brought light lunches, books to read, and a creative spirit. Since I haven’t visited my serenity place in forever, I’m making up for lost time while the weather remains beautiful, while the ducks are still present. On the way to the newly renovated pond (more open and less seclusion because they have chopped down the suspenseful, magical overgrown trees), I stopped by the Kroger to pick up my ingredients sans my old wicker basket. I found a lot of clearance items like 99 cent French bread and $1.09 fruit pie filling (which turned out to be the most delightful surprise on the bread— who needs jam?!). After I had eaten some of the amazing spread, I watched two ducks, rested a bit atop of the rocks, and read Shirley Jackson horror (‘tis the season). What a treat!

Lunch included nasayo’s Organic Vegan Tofu Vegetable Dumplings, a loaf of clearanced French bread, markdown Michigan Cherry Fruit Pie Filling, and Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. 

Fruit pie filling on bread is an instant dreamy treasure! 

Birthday Girl

It’s my absolutely favorite day! And this time, in a long time, I celebrated with my sweet family.
First, I walked down to Starbucks and ordered my complimentary venti soy green tea latte. Surprisingly enough, the barista pronounced my name correctly. I enjoyed my beverage with English muffins and vegan Gouda. Afterwards. I waited forever for a Route 17 to go to Whole Foods Market— delayed twenty minutes.

At my coveted destination (almost forty minutes with a delicious Toni Morrison novel), I found the prettiest sprinkled chocolate cake, Nada Moo Lotta Mint Chip (yes, I was worried that Dayton had no Nada Moo for the longest), and ingredients for mac n cheese with broccoli. At my brother’s apartment, we had mac n cheese with broccoli for lunch (made with 365 Foods Cheddar Slices). They sang the birthday song for me (yay). I cut the beautiful cake, smothered it in my favorite ice cream, and ate with sweet relish.

The First Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival

Los Angeles has Eat Drink Vegan (known as the Vegan Coachella). Vegandale is all the rage in Chicago, Toronto, and New York City.

Thus, I didn't know what to expect at the first annual Dayton Vegan Food and Drink Festival that happened this past Sunday. However, many questions raced through my head whilst aiding with volunteer set up in the pleasantly warm morning, high and alert from the Whole Foods Market vegan donuts and Trader Joe's blended orange juices that the DVFADF creator, Da'Ves Malone of Sprouting Dreams, LLC had gifted us all. Would there be a supportive crowd to show up and show out for veganism? Was this new downtown Dayton sensation conflicting with Dayton Art Institute's 41st Annual Oktoberfest some mere miles away? Would the weather be terrible? As vendors began unloading their trucks and setting up along Courthouse Square, tantalizing us by the way of their delightful aromas and unique presentations, the contagious happiness spread around infecting everyone.

Even my great uncle came out. I hadn't seen him in ages and it was wonderful to have a mini family reunion-- at a vegan festival too!

Once the hour struck one o'clock-- the festival start time-- the entertainment was alive and pumping hard. First, yoga lovers stretched by the gentle instructions of Ranjani Powers. DJ Mike Cooley and MC Picket Fence celebrated the roots of funk created right in our own backyard, spinning Heatwave, Zapp & Roger, the Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Faze-O. Molly Blackshear spoke compassionately on how veganism influenced and changed her perception of eating. The brilliant spoken word poet A. Slate roused the crowd with an utterly hilarious poem about the desire for the vegan foods on the menu. There was also activities for the kids, Katie Clark, the author of "I'm a Supervegan," jewelry and beauty products for sale, and various organizations like Cincy VegFest, Paw Patrol, and the Dayton International Peace Museum.

Food and drink vendors were of local and locations outside of Dayton including Billie Gold Bubble Tea, Power Plant Kitchen, Leerah's Vegan Treats, Fruitta Bowls Miamisburg, Sweet P's Icepops, Mana Ice Cream Co., Village Taco, Cabin Sweet Confections, and Pure Sweet Bakery.

Although I left prior to the heavy rain shower, it was good to hear that most of the food vendors sold out. The demand for vegan cuisine is certainly wanted here in Dayton and this first festival answered the call. Hopefully this great community building leads to more amazing vegan events to transpire in the future (another festival is a definite must). It is very obvious that the people crave delicious vegan options when presented to them, when vegan food is readily accessible. The amount of those donning vegan t-shirts, buying official festival vegan merchandise, and proudly displaying their foods and desserts showcase that there is a supportive underground being brought to the surface.

I look forward to the next big vegan happening and will always vouch for helping out in any way possible. I believe that it is possible for Dayton's new festival to be even bigger and better, that our small city has what it takes to make for an epic experience of veganism through eating and activism.