Getting Ready for a Day of Vegan Fun
As a family that enjoys exploring new food events and learning more about vegan lifestyle, we were excited to attend the Vegan Street Fair in Atlanta. With sun hats on and a portable cooler packed, we were ready for a day of delicious plant-based treats and family-friendly fun. Here’s a rundown of our experience, along with some tips for staying cool and prepared during summer outings.
Preparation Tips
Before heading out, we made sure to prepare for the hot summer day. Our packing essentials included:
- Sunscreen (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Coppertone Sport)
- Sun hats for everyone
- A portable cooler with reusable containers and silverware
- Hydration bottles
- Snacks for the car ride
These items were crucial in keeping us comfortable and protected from the heat.
First Impressions
Upon arrival, we were greeted with loud music and very few people. The event was advertised as family-friendly, but the volume of the music made it challenging to communicate and enjoy the atmosphere. Despite this, we were eager to explore the various food stands and see what vegan delights awaited us.
Food Highlights
We sampled a variety of foods at the fair, and while the experience was mixed, there were a few standout items:
- Vegan Fried Chicken with Curly Fries: Crispy and flavorful, this was a hit with the kids.
- Empanadas with Dipping Sauces: Delicious and well-seasoned, these were a great snack.
- Jamaican Beef Patties: These were tasty, but the highlight from this vendor was their refreshing pineapple smoothie.
- Passion Fruit Cooler: A delightful and refreshing drink that helped us cool down.
- Pineapple Smoothie: This was undoubtedly the highlight of our food experience – refreshing, naturally sweet, and perfect for the hot day.
Event Critique
While the food was generally good, there were several aspects of the event that fell short of our expectations:
- Lack of Educational Content: We were hoping to learn more about veganism and discover new lifestyle tips, but there was little to no educational content available.
- Predominantly Fast Food Options: Most of the food offered was fast food, lacking the focus on health and lifestyle that we have seen at other vegan events, particularly in Germany.
- Absence of Kid-Friendly Activities: Despite being advertised as a family-friendly event, there were no activities or entertainment options for kids. This made it difficult to keep our children engaged.
- No Seating or Shade: The lack of seating and shaded areas made it uncomfortable to stay for long. The only option for relief was to sit inside a nearby brewery, which was not ideal for families with kids.
- Limited Vegan Desserts: Alex, who has a dairy allergy, was particularly excited about trying vegan desserts. Unfortunately, the options were limited to basic items like cookies, which were not worth the inflated prices.
Heat Management
The extreme heat was one of the biggest challenges we faced. Sophia was really struggling within just 10 minutes of arriving, even during the short walk from the car to the fair. Towards the end, she was fading very quickly and didn’t get better until we left. We ended up staying for about 45 minutes to an hour because we had to wait quite long for some of our food, and while we waited, there was zero shade, which did not help Sophia and her heat exhaustion. I’m really glad that we didn’t spend any money for entry since it was free.
One positive aspect of the extreme heat was the lack of long lines. However, the food trucks could definitely improve their preparation. For instance, we waited 20 minutes for our fried chicken even though there was barely a line. If there had been a typical line of 15-20 people, as we’ve seen at other food truck festivals, the wait would have been unbearable. Despite the wait, the fried chicken was very delicious and we enjoyed it at home, but it was quite expensive.
Reflecting on the heat, I really wished we had portable fans for me and the kids. I’ve seen these at other events and think they would have made a big difference. The neck-hanging fans that keep your hands free or even handheld ones would provide much-needed air circulation. I’m definitely planning to purchase some for future outings. Additionally, while I had a big sun hat, we might consider getting a sun umbrella. It’s not common, but with this kind of heat, it could be a game-changer.
General Advice: Avoid High Heat
We attended the fair during a weekend with a heat advisory. The temperatures were around 99-101 degrees, and the city’s concrete environment made it feel even hotter. Even though we were looking forward to the event, I recommend avoiding outdoor activities in such extreme temperatures, especially with children. It’s just not worth it – your kids will be miserable, and it can be dangerous. If possible, choose cooler days for outdoor events.
Parking
Parking was relatively easy since it was a Sunday with no major events at the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium. We found street parking about a block away, and it was a simple five or six-minute walk to the event. GPS directions took us straight there without any issues.
Unexpected Fun at IKEA
After leaving the fair, we decided to stop by IKEA. This turned out to be a highlight of our day! Alex had a blast exploring the kid-friendly areas and playing with the toys. We also enjoyed some Swedish pastries, which were a nice treat. Surprisingly, our impromptu visit to IKEA ended up being more enjoyable than the vegan street fair.
Verdict
Overall, our experience at the Vegan Street Fair in Atlanta was underwhelming. While the food was delicious, the event did not live up to its family-friendly and educational promises. Here’s our breakdown:
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Pros:
- Delicious vegan food options
- Refreshing drinks
- Friendly staff at State Farm booth
Cons:
- Lack of educational content
- Predominantly fast food options
- No kid-friendly activities
- No outdoor seating or shade
- Limited and overpriced vegan desserts
Packing Guide for Summer Day Trips
Based on our experience, here’s a quick packing guide for summer day trips:
- Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Coppertone Sport are great options.
- Sun Hats: Essential for everyone to protect from the sun.
- Portable Cooler: Keeps drinks and snacks cold.
- Hydration Bottles: Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Reusable Containers and Silverware: Handy for packing snacks and leftovers.
- Portable Fans: Neck-hanging or handheld fans for air circulation.
- Sun Umbrella: For extra shade in extreme heat.
Conclusion
While the Vegan Street Fair in Atlanta had its moments, it ultimately didn’t meet our expectations. However, it reminded us of the importance of being prepared for the heat and having a backup plan for family fun. Next time, we’ll look for events that truly cater to families and offer a more educational and health-focused experience.
For more information about the Vegan Street Fair and to see if it’s coming to a city near you, visit their official website.
