The end of Labor Day Weekend has brought us a few days of cold, rainy weather to remind us of what is to come. There are a lot of beautiful days before snow flies and I have always thought fall to be the best time of year.
Fall in New England is more than leaf peeping. Images of pumpkin fields and apples come to mind, strolling brick sidewalks in an old warm sweater, and country fairs (some in their 2nd century of existence).
The country fair of which I speak should not be confused with ramshackle carnivals that may come to mind. Sure, over the years most of the large fairs added this component, but I ignore that part and visit the agricultural exhibitions. Beautiful displays of heirloom vegetables await, as do well treated sustainably fed llamas and alpacas raised for fiber and companionship.
My heart breaks for the beef cattle in the next shed over from horses. I have never understood why we would value one animal differently over another. I hope when city dwelling omnivores visit the fair and see that their food once had a face and feelings and a mother of its own that they may be given pause to think.
The other side of that coin is that 20 yards from where your food has a face, you can go to any one of countless food stands for some of the most calorie dense, toxic compilations of animal protein you can find. What can a vegan eat amidst deep fried Twinkies, turkey legs, and mega burgers of death? That is, after all, the point of this blog.
I'm not going to miss seeing the 800lb pumpkin and the church ladies didn't make all those quilts for no one to see them because there is nothing for a vegan to eat. I am out to prove that you can be vegan everywhere and that's what I'm going to do.
Being kosher, there were a lot of things off my list even before I went vegan: pork, milk and meat in the same meal, shellfish, and hunted animals. I don't think of any of these things as dietary restrictions, but choices for better living. I think the same of a vegan lifestyle. I'm not going to compromise my health and wellness for a vegan "cheat" day; that's not how it works. I don't think I could even consider eating meat anymore and dairy would make me sick enough that I know better than to try that. I have no desire for any of this.
So, vegan everywhere means exactly that. I'll chronicle my actual trips to the fall fairs in upcoming blogs, but often being vegan everywhere requires a bit for forethought. Here are some strategies:
1. Don't go hungry. It doesn't help at the grocery store and it certainly won't do you any favors at the fair.
2. Stay hydrated, bring water. There's no need to contribute to plastic bottle waste and it is way overpriced.
3. Look online at the vendor lists. At Fryeburg Fair (www.fryeburgfair.com) and Topsfield Fair (Topsfieldfair.org), 2 of the oldest fairs in New England and the country, some of the agricultural exhibitors sell their produce in a micro-farmer's market.
4. Make a plan and stick to the plan.
5. Go to the enjoy the season and see the things that interest you; don't go to eat. One of the truths of being vegan everywhere is that sometimes you need to bring your own food. There is a lot more to any given event than eating. A lot of fairs have picnic grounds, take advantage of this and bring a vegan spread to enjoy on your own terms. Last year we picked up wonderful varietal apples and some of the last local peppers of the year to munch on while we walked around. As you come to know me and my blog, you will learn about my deep love for all things pickled. I did enjoy a large half-sour kosher dill and bought some pickled green beans and garlic to take home.
Where will the season take you? I have fairs, camping, and hiking on the horizon, but let's share our journeys. Pictures, stories, and recipes to follow. Thank you for taking these first steps with me.
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