The Vegandale event in New York at Citi Field has been compared to the ill-fated Fyre Festival by attendees who experienced long lines, shortages of water and toilet paper, and other issues. The event, which was part of a larger eight-city celebration of plant-based living, attracted thousands of people eager to visit vendors and enjoy a performance by GloRilla. However, many were met with a massive line at the entrance due to too few metal detectors and a lengthy ticketing process, leading to frustration among attendees.
Guests who managed to get inside the event faced further challenges, including a lack of shade and seating in the hot 84-degree weather. Reports emerged of shortages of essential items such as drinking water and toilet paper, causing discomfort and dehydration among attendees. Some claimed that at least one person had fainted and was taken to the hospital. Attendee Sanirena Denerville mentioned that she couldn’t wash her hands after using the bathroom as the sinks had run out of water, highlighting the dire situation that some guests faced during the event.
Critics of the Vegandale event compared it to the disastrous Fyre Festival, with some even urging visitors to report the issues to consumer protection agencies. The festival also faced criticism from vendors, with one booth owner claiming that the new fee structure resulted in a costly 30% commission on all sales, significantly higher than previous flat fees. Despite the negative feedback, some attendees still enjoyed the vegan offerings at the event, with some praising the overall experience despite the logistical challenges faced at Citi Field.
While some attendees are demanding refunds and expressing their disappointment, Vegandale has turned off comments on its Instagram page in response to the backlash. The event, which began in Toronto in 2015, has faced significant scrutiny for its handling of the New York leg of the festival. Despite the controversies, Vegandale’s vice president of communications and entertainment, Jenna Lindsay, defended the event by acknowledging the logistical challenges of working with a new venue and highlighting the positive aspects of the overall experience at Citi Field.
In conclusion, the Vegandale event in New York faced significant criticism from attendees for its long lines, shortages of essential items, and other issues that marred the experience for many guests. The comparisons to the Fyre Festival and the complaints from vendors highlight the challenges faced by the festival organizers in delivering a successful event. While some attendees enjoyed the vegan offerings at the festival, the negative feedback has prompted demands for refunds and calls for regulatory action. Despite the challenges faced at Citi Field, Vegandale remains committed to providing a positive experience to attendees and addressing any concerns raised during the event.
