Rehoboth Beach VegFest kicks off June 9

Rehoboth Beach VegFest opens a full weekend of fun and informative activities Friday, June 9, with Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m., at The Crooked Hammock, Lewes, followed by the movie, "Seed: The Untold Story," at 7 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes.

The weekend activities continue with Festival Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth. Saturday night's multimedia art show at Gallery 50, downtown Rehoboth, features work by Dino and Dart, appetizers donated by The Cultured Pearl, and music by Buntopia, a VegFest favorite.

Sunday showcases the hugely popular brunch at Fork & Flask at Nage, with a menu that is guaranteed to please the fussiest eater. Reservations can be made by calling Nage at 302-226-2037.

Festival Day, Saturday, June 10, is a full, rich day of exploring new lifestyle choices while enjoying incredible food, visiting vendors, and making new friends. The lineup of speakers: John Camp, Karen Ranzi, and Dr. Aysha Akhtar will educate and inspire festivalgoers.

Camp is a passionate animal advocate who lives his commitment to ending cruelty to animals and improving the environment. He has spent 11 years visiting college campuses and has reached over 1 million people in his journey to promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Ranzi is an author and raw-foods nutrition coach who works with children and their families to achieve greater physical and emotional health. She will prepare a delicious dish - cauliflower and Spanish rice - as part of her presentation.

Akhtar, neurologist, author, and public health specialist, talks movingly about the connection between public health and the horrifying treatment of farm animals.

The first 200 to arrive will receive a goodie bag filled with free samples and coupons! Ride Jolly Trolley free from the Rehoboth Bandstand to and from the festival.

Other festival highlights include the Healing Arts Village, where festival attendees can enjoy some yoga, talk with a health practitioner, join a meditation, or simply be. The Bounce House, donated by Kids Cottage, will satisfy kids and their parents. Children will also have the opportunity to do some planting courtesy of East Coast Garden Center. The Georgetown SPCA and Saved Souls Animal Rescue will be bringing adoptable dogs chosen especially for the day.

The Music Tent will echo with the sounds of Buntopia, Kaleb Brown and Alex Razze. The roster of vendors includes incredible vegan food from VegFest favorite Hari Cameron from a(MUSE.) and Grandpa Mac, jewelry and art, and perennial favorites, MERR and The Good Earth Market, the area's go-to natural foods market.

Gallery 50, 50 Wilmington Ave., has been a proud supporter of Rehoboth Beach VegFest from the beginning. Saturday night, The Gallery brings an exhibition of vibrant, textured work by Dino and Dart, artists from Massachusetts, who travel the country helping to raise consciousness about living in harmony and healing the planet. Appetizers donated by The Cultured Pearl and music by Buntopia will make the evening a cultural and culinary success.

Rehoboth Beach VegFest is a program of VegRehoboth, now entering its fifth year. VegRehoboth has two signature events: Rehoboth Beach VegFest in June and ThanksLiving, an alternative celebration the third week of November. Under the capable leadership of president Tara Sheldon, VegRehoboth has a membership of nearly 600 members and a growing list of activities that includes a book club dining out at area restaurants in support of plant-based menu items, What's Cookin', a learn while you dine feast, happy hours, and other social and educational events.

VegFest is supported by CAMP Rehoboth, Jenn Harpel, Morgan Stanley, and the VegFund. For more information, find VegRehoboth on MeetUp, Facebook, or go to www.VegRehoboth.org.