Chicago VeganMania Returns with Speakers, Demos

Celebrate at Chicago VeganMania, a free event dedicated to vegan culture, commerce, community, cuisine and couture, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 5, at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, in Chicago.

The event, which has drawn thousands in previous years, will present nationally known speaker Nathan Runkle, founder of Chicago-based Mercy for Animals. This renowned advocacy group is known for its undercover investigations of animals in agriculture and its most recent advertising campaign on bus and train systems throughout the country, challenging commuters to give so-called food animals a new consideration.

Chicago VeganMania will also feature natural vegan bodybuilder Robert Cheeke, of VeganBodyBuilding.com, and Jon Camp of Vegan Outreach. Watch cooking demonstrations from the creators of some of Chicago’s most innovative purely plant-based cuisine, including the Chicago Diner; Laviyah Ayanna, of the Vegan Food Truck; Chicago Soydairy; Sandi Swiss, of Canary Confectionery; and others. Everything demonstrated and sampled will be free of animal ingredients.

The day’s festivities include a variety of musical and other performers and a family activity area, with eco-crafts and cruelty-free swag bags for the first 100 through the door. In addition, food court vendors featuring delicious options from several of Chicago's best vegan restaurants and food companies will be serving tasty meals. Visitors can also stock up on holiday gifts from dozens of vendors with books, jewelry, body care products, candles and high fashion apparel.

Cost: Free. Location: 1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago. For more information visit ChicagoVeganMania.com. Media sponsors include Natural Awakenings Chicago North and North Shore.