(Naperville) Chicago’s got a new vegan superstar and she’s coming to Veggie Fest! Marisa Buchheit, the first vegan winner of the Miss Chicago pageant, will inspire young people to go veg when she visits Veggie Fest on August 11 and 12. Held on the grounds of the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S 175 Naperville Road, Naperville, IL, Veggie Fest is a family-friendly festival that celebrates a vegetarian way of life.
Buchheit, a native Chicagoan and longtime vegan, will help out with kids in the Children’s Tent which boasts arts-and-crafts tables, face-painting booths, healthy snacks, vegetarian-focused games, and musical performances. All children’s activities are designed and managed by professional educators.
“It’s so important for kids to have vegetarian and vegan role models,” says Children’s Tent activity coordinator, Vicki Shibley. “We’re really glad she’s coming to Veggie Fest.”
A compassionate animal-lover from a young age, Miss Chicago is looking forward to promoting animal welfare and raising awareness for the benefits of a plant-based diet. She says, “Being vegan has helped me to feel balanced and has given me incredible mental and physical strength.” After becoming a vegan at the age of 12, Buchheit lost 30 pounds. She is currently training for her first full marathon.
An aspiring professional opera singer, she will give the Veggie Fest crowd an added treat when she takes the main stage to perform. Live Wire, a children’s rock and roll band will also perform on the main stage; their drummer is a 9-year-old vegetarian.
Admission to Veggie Fest is free as is parking, so load up the car with your kids and their friends and join the family-fun on August 11 and 12.
Check out all the weekend activities at
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