COUNTRY HOE DOWN

The Country Hoe Down was the perfect day in the country! Giving pigs belly rubs, kissing cattle, chatting with the chickens, enjoying live music by Crazy Aunt Mary, and eating the fantastic vegan barbecue made by Brian Patton, The Sexy Vegan. After sanctuary tours and critter cuddle time, guests gathered in our gazebo for educational presentations from Dave Rutan, The Sexy Vegan, Karen Dawn, and Lorri Houston - all helping to connect to the information, resources, and tools needed to be an active advocate for farmed animals. This year's Country Hoe Down was focused on getting involved in vegan outreach efforts in Los Angeles - from our local vegan toastmaster club to planning for the next Vegetarian Pride Parade! Our guests joined us to be a part of the efforts in their communities to make a difference for suffering farmed animals.

Speakers

Author of Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking The Way We Treat Animals, and Founder of DawnWatch. One of our movement's most effective advocates, Karen uses her skill, wit, and charm to convince every meat eater she meets to go vegan. Her book, noted as one of the top books released in 2008 by the Washington Post, is a must read for animal advocates. Her goal is "to tell you everything you wanted to know about animal rights--but were afraid to get into a fight about--and to let you weigh that information against your own values," and she succeeds admirably.

Founder and President of Animal Acres, Lorri has dedicated her life to rescuing, education, and advocating on behalf of suffering farmed animals. Last year, Lorri founded and directed LA's first Vegetarian Pride Parade. The hugely successful event brought together 1,000 "veg heads" walking through the streets of Venice to educate, inspire, and demonstrate their veggie pride! Lorri will be discussing how to organize a VPP event in your neighborhood, and how you can get involved in LA's upcoming second annual Vegetarian Pride Parade!

Since 2006, The Sexy Vegan (aka Brian Patton) has been educating and entertaining his fans around the world with his culinary offerings and comedic stylings by way of his website: TheSexyVegan.com. Brian recently became Executive Chef of Vegin'Out, L.A.'s premier vegan food delivery service. Brian was a super hit at our first Compassionate Cooking event, and he will be giving his entertaining cooking demonstrations, vegan living tips, and catering this year's Country Hoe Down! He's sure to cook up a yummy country cooking menu featuring his famous Cucumber Mint Salad, Potato Salad, and Barbeque Seitan sandwiches!

Founder of Vegan Toastmasters, Dave has been leading efforts in Los Angeles to turn 'terrified of public speaking' vegans, into effective spokespersons for farmed animals! Dave also serves on the Worldfest and Vegetarian Pride Parade planning committees, and he is always willing to lend a helping hand for vegan outreach. Dave is an electrical engineer by profession, but also uses his law degree for animal activists. Dave will be giving us a glimpse into Vegan Toastmasters - what they do, how it works, and why you need to join!

Sponsors