In June of 2008, Try Vegan PDX organized Try Vegan Week. Try Vegan Week was a 7-day event, which offered workshops, store tours, a bike rally, and ended in a fun, fabulous, 80's themed Vegan Prom. Try Vegan Week has become an annual event ever since as has the Vegan Prom.
In 2010, Try Vegan PDX added a new element and hosted Portland's first ever Vegan Iron Chef competition, inviting three well-known Portland chefs to compete for both a live audience as well as live-streaming the event. The event was so successful it was able to evolve into its own organization, Vegan Iron Chef.
In 2011 we added yet another element to our repertoire and organized the first ever Vegan Scavenger Hunt, Veg Quest. Fifteen teams competed in a race around Portland- busing, biking and walking- solving clues that led to different businesses in the city. We were so pleased with the outcome we decided, as a committee, to commit Veg Quest to our list of annual events.
In 2015 the committee finally went on a weekend long retreat where each aspect of the organization was discussed and evaluated. Although it was mentally and physically exhausting, it was well worth the time, effort and money. We look forward to continuing to provide fun events to the community, while delving more into creating more understanding and awareness for the importance of intersectionality with veganism and social justice movements.
In 2018, we expanded our events to be year round, adding a new large event to our annual calendar - the Vegan Maker and Craft Fair. This event was an overnight success and in 2019 it doubled in size. We also updated the Vegan Guide to Portland, which was a labor of love, checking links and adding icons to provide a great resource for folks.
Whether you have only recently come to the decision to live a cruelty-free life, or have been vegan for many years, Try Vegan PDX has a place for you. Like any organization we rely on the support of others so please tell your friends and get involved if you are able and willing.