Ben Adams of Sticky Fingers bakery and Erica Meier of Compassion Over Killing

As local vegans and vegetarians converge upon the George Washington University campus for this year’s VegFest, Erica Meier will be focusing her attention on folks who are still reluctant to join the rabbit food scene. Meier, the executive director of festival sponsor Compassion Over Killing, wants to attract the veg-curious.

The meatless event has successfully converted “a couple dozen [attendees] over the past couple years,” Meier proudly reported during a media preview of the event’s festivities on Tuesday night. She adds that a big goal of the event is to lure omnivores and teach them about the meat-free lifestyle.

Vegan bakery Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats, recent winner of Food Network's Cupcake Wars, will be at VegFest.

The one-day festival, held from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 24th, is now in its third year. The festival grew from 2,500 attendees in its first year to 5,000 last year and Meier expects up to 6,000 people this year. And if you’re in the first 500 to arrive, you’ll receive a gift bag with food samples and coupons.

New this year will be free cholesterol-testing (damn all that cheese eating) by doctor Michael Greger, who will also be speaking about clinical nutrition at the event. Local vendors include Bread & Brew, Amsterdamn Falafel Shop, Cafe Green, The Fojol Brothers, and Everlasting Life Cafe, among others.

For all those that missed the canceled Columbia Heights Day cupcake eating contest, it will now take place at VegFest. If you’re interested in participating, email Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats at info@stickyfingersbakery.com.

More information on DC VegFest.

Photos by Stefanie Gans