Veritably vegan

Windsor Park

Transcona

East Kildonan

There will be so many treats for the senses at the upcoming Herbivore Haven event that co-organizers Caitlin Sikora and Brittany Martens are encouraging visitors on the day to stay a while.

Billed as a thoughtfully-curated, 100 per cent vegan market, the event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Winakwa Community Centre, located at 980 Winakwa Rd. Admission is free.

Both Sikora and Martens are passionate vegan makers — Sikora is the proprietor of realswanky.ca and Martens operates Plant Kitchen and Bakery (plantkitchen.ca). The idea for Herbivore Haven was born out of their friendship.

Herbivore Haven celebrates vegan businesses and vegan-friendly options, and will showcase many local artisans, creators, and vendors. The first 100 visitors will receive a goody bag, which will include a magazine designed by Sikora and printed locally by St. Vital-based Galaxy Printing.

Sikora said the event caters to vegans and folks with a gluten-sensitivity, and will include vegan-friendly and gluten-free items. And whether its local bakers, makers, or sellers of vintage items, there should be something for everyone to enjoy at the event. The will also be hot food available. According to Herbivore Haven’s Instagram page, vendors will include Callan’s Art, Chap’s Peanut Butters, Fête Ice Cream and Coffee, Mozzie Moss Art, and Prairie Potions – to name a few.

And in keeping with the “inclusive, low-barrier, good-vibes” atmosphere Sikora and Martens like to foster at their markets, there will also be “a quiet room, a place for people to dine and tables to chill at,” where there will also be some colouring pages for people to enjoy, Sikora, who has enjoyed doing embroidery for more than 20 years, said.

“The centre is situated along a couple of bus routes, and it’s going to be well air conditioned,” said Sikora, 36, who lives in Transcona. “I think it’ll be a lot of fun. We’re hoping to see lots of people this time,” she added, noting the event is establishing its name and presence in the community, and that the pair enjoy welcoming back repeat customers and familiar faces.

“We love supporting local, which is really special for us. People are struggling, and I think the more we can support local, the better.”

Martens added that despite the fact Herbivore Haven is a vegan-focused event, attendees won’t be scrutinized if they don’t necessarily tick that box.

“Hunters and fishers … you’re welcome, too. It’s all about sharing information about veganism and learning something new,” said Martens, 29, who lives in East Kildonan.

“It’s about coming together, despite our differences. We want people to be able to feel safe — we’re a safe community, and we encourage people to ask questions to learn.”

Visit @herbivorehavenmarket on Instagram for more information.