The Albany Vegan Network, the Capital Region’s longest-standing vegan and vegetarian organization is set to host its ninth annual – and biggest – Albany VegFest this Saturday at the Polish Community Center in Albany. The non-profit group, founded in 2005 by five area-vegans, supports those interested in healthful living, environmental sustainability, and animal rights.

“This is going to be one of our biggest festivals to-date. We’re over capacity with our vendors; more than a dozen of which are food-centric, serving a wide variety of vegan foods including pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, and everything in between. We have a house band this year- playing throughout the day. And of course our awesome speakers that include health and wellness experts, and professional chefs,” said VegFest Coordinator and one of the founding members of the Albany Vegan Network, Jan Lajeunesse.

The vegan-food-focused and educational event will include presentations from five speakers, including journalist and author, Jane Velez-Mitchell, a kid’s corner and as well as more than 70 vendors and exhibitors including Vital Eats, Yeah Dawg, Vegan Treats, Healthy on Lark, Little Anthony’s Pizzeria, The Brakes Coffeehouse, Delaware Trolley House, Arbonne International, AURA’bout You, Beirut Restaurant of Troy, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Chatham Animal Haven, Compassion Co., Dust Bunny’s Boutique, Fanciful Fox, Feechur Prez, Field Goods, Food Not Bombs, Grape Cat Vegan Clothing and Accessories, Horseracing Wrongs, Hudson Valley Vegans, Institute for Humane Education, MadVegan Michael Dahlquest, Mercy for Animals, New York State Humane Association, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, The Humane Society of the United States, Vegan Publishers, and Young Living Essential Oils representative Jennifer Narkiewicz, among many more.

The free event will offer a complimentary re-usable tote bag filled with vegan samples, products, and coupons to the first 100 people through the door. There will be a free water refill station; and free food samples including scoops of non-dairy ice cream donated by Ben & Jerry’s.

Admission: Free (suggested $5 donation at the door.)

Location: Polish Community Center 225 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY.

Time: 10:00AM-5:00PM

For more information: AlbanyVegan.org.

Event sponsors include Albany.com, Honest Weight Food Co-op, Natural Awakenings magazine, A Well-Fed World, and VegFund.