ThanksVegan Day 2026 | Community Potluck

A form of activism to bring recognition to the holocaust of millions of turkeys each year simply for tradition and mouth feel.
About this Event

This will be our 8th annual ThanksVegan Day celebration!

What:
ThanksVegan Day Community Potluck 2026

When:
Thursday, November 26, 2026
10AM - 2PM

Where:

Turtle Beach Pavilion
8918 Midnight Pass Road
Siesta Key, FL, 34242

NOTE: The time of the event is for the duration of our registration for the pavilion. See the event schedule in the details below.

Our gathering is a potluck/picnic. A potluck for those who are not concerned about doing so, and a picnic for those who are and want to eat their own brown bag lunch. We will continue to practice this method in respect of others who want to join us and have allergies, or other reasons.

Please bring one vegan only dish of eight servings per person (That's eight cups, or four pounds; just like you would make for a thanksgiving at home for eight). Plan to spend at least $15-20. [No animal ingredients: milk, butter or margarine, casein, gelatin, honey, eggs, dairy cheese and yogurt, or any natural flavors that does not state it is derived from plants.]

For those who do not opt to bring a dish: a $15 cash only donation will be asked for, to receive a plate or serve yourself, out of respect to everyone else who is spending the same and time in making one.

Please include a name for your dish as well as a list of all the ingredients. 3x5 cards will be available for listing all ingredients being used.* This is for the benefit of all who have allergies or other health concerns. It isn't all of our responsibility to keep up with all of that, but listing ALL ingredients is helpful for the rest of us who can interpret it. (Be considerate of those with special dietary needs. We have some in the group who have allergies, a few who do not use oil or added salt, a few who are doaist and low-FODMAP diets who don't eat garlic and onions; nuts, soy, sesame, gluten, nightshades.) [Anyone bringing dishes with animal-based ingredients will be asked to remove them from our tables. We are vegans, not vegetarians.]

This is a special event, so splurge to make it as organic and as whole food pant-based as possible. [Remember that certified organic food is pretty much vegan, even without a vegan certification. And, a non-GMO label doesn't mean organic. It is conventionally grown and just means it is not a Genetically Modified Organism.]

Our event will be a zero waste event. It is asked that you bring your own flatware, plate, bowl, cup, etc., to save on using group supplies. Otherwise compostable items will be supplied.

It is an outdoor event, under a large pavilion with overhead cover, and large picnic tables that can seat eight people each if needed.

Although our events are free, they are also donation-based. Without donations we don't acquire things or grow. Donations will be accepted with the intention of recovering some of the cost in the pavilion rental and supplies as well as reserving next year's pavilion...not to forget we have a new website to fund each year as well. Estimate annual costs are $225-250.

*A running list of what everyone is bringing will be in a pinned post at the top of this event page.

Itinerary:
10 AM to 10:30 AM
Setup time: Help from a few getting our tables lined up, table clothes in place, greeting table with email list, donation bucket and event sign. (There are a few outlets for power and they should be on in time for our gathering. You'll have to provide your own extension cord as no tables will be close enough to set anything on. At best, do not bring anything that requires power. Please inquire first as outlets are limited. 😉 )

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Check-in & Social Hour: This will be the time allowing for everyone coming to arrive and get their dish on our tables as well as socializing before our vegan feast. There will be beverages (non-alcoholic) to enjoy and light food snacks to sample. Also some vegan yard and lawn games to play, such as Jumbo Jenga, Corn Hole, and a Frisbee. Be sure to get a name tag for all to know your name.

11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Vegan Feast Begins!

1:30 PM
Closing comments and cleanup time. Be sure to share any of your leftovers to-go with others, and take everything with you that you brought. If there's going to be a fundraising raffle it will happen at this time.

2:00 PM
End of Event.

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The following are the county rules and regulations to adhere to:

SARASOTA COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES (Chapters 54 and 90:) The following are applicable to County-owned and/or operated Park, Recreation and Preserve areas:

-- Excessive noise is prohibited

-- Soliciting or canvassing is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the Department

-- Driving or parking a Vehicle or Watercrafts in designated areas only

-- Littering of buildings or grounds is prohibited

-- Fires are prohibited except in grills, fireplaces, and barbecue pits provided by the County

-- Vending of any saleable item(s) is prohibited, unless authorized by permit

-- Overnight camping is prohibited except in designated areas

-- Glass containers are prohibited

-- Sports and games are limited to designated areas

-- Pets are prohibited (except guide animals,) unless area is designated for such use (e.g., dog park or dog-friendly park)