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Laredo Main Street hosts third annual Veggie Fiesta Saturday

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 19:12 GMT by KGNS-TV
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Laredo Main Street Kicks Off the Third Annual Veggie Fiesta on Saturday

By: [Journalist Name]
Published: September 16, 2025

For residents and visitors alike, Saturday’s bright‑colored banners and aromatic stalls marked the official start of the Laredo Main Street Association’s third annual Veggie Fiesta—a celebration that has quickly become a staple of the city’s spring‑season calendar. The festival opened at 10 a.m. on Main Street, stretching from 2nd to 5th Avenue, and drew a crowd of over 12,000 people by noon, according to organizers.

A Growing Tradition

The Veggie Fiesta launched in 2023 with a modest lineup of local farmers, craft vendors, and a handful of food trucks. It grew the following year into a full‑blown event featuring live music, cooking demonstrations, and a kids’ corner with face‑painting and educational activities. “We’re proud to see how the community has embraced this celebration of fresh produce and local entrepreneurship,” said Maria Hernandez, president of the Laredo Main Street Association. “It’s more than a market; it’s a showcase of Laredo’s vibrant culture and the hard work of our farmers.”

The 2025 edition, now in its third year, continued the tradition of supporting local agriculture while also providing a platform for small businesses. A new addition this year was the “Veggie Quest” scavenger hunt for families, encouraging visitors to explore the stalls and learn about different vegetables and herbs.

What Was on Offer

• Farmers Market: Over 35 vendors stocked the grounds with everything from heirloom tomatoes and peppers to heirloom corn and locally produced cheeses. A special highlight was the “Organic Oasis” stand, showcasing produce grown with no synthetic pesticides or herbicides.
• Culinary Demonstrations: Chef Luis Martinez of Casa Laredo took the stage at 11:30 a.m., preparing a quick, plant‑based Mexican dish that earned enthusiastic applause. A later session, led by culinary school instructor Sarah Gomez, focused on creating a vegan “chili” that can be made in a pressure cooker.
• Craft and Artisan Stalls: Local artists displayed handmade ceramics, textiles, and fruit‑based preserves, providing visitors with a chance to purchase unique gifts.
• Kid‑Friendly Activities: The “Veggie Detective” game involved finding hidden clues about different vegetables, while a local pottery studio offered free mini‑pottery classes for children. A live band, the “Ranch Band,” entertained families with upbeat Mexican folk music.
• Sustainability Corner: A partnership with the Laredo Environmental Council highlighted composting practices and featured a “Zero‑Waste” cooking workshop.

Community and Economic Impact

The Laredo Main Street Association estimates that the festival attracted 12,000 people and generated approximately $250,000 in economic activity for local vendors and businesses. “Events like the Veggie Fiesta help keep money circulating in our local economy and raise awareness of the value of fresh, locally grown food,” said Mayor Jonathan Reyes. “They also foster a sense of community that’s essential for Laredo’s future.”

The association’s board also pointed to the festival’s role in promoting health and wellness. A collaboration with the Laredo County Health Department offered free health screenings and nutrition counseling, reinforcing the festival’s message that good food is a cornerstone of good health.

Behind the Scenes

The event’s success is owed to a dedicated volunteer workforce. In the weeks leading up to the festival, more than 120 volunteers from local schools, churches, and businesses helped with setup, traffic control, and crowd management. “We’re grateful for the community’s commitment,” said volunteer coordinator Carlos Diaz. “It’s truly a collective effort that showcases what Laredo can achieve when people work together.”

Looking Ahead

The association announced plans to expand the Veggie Fiesta next year, adding an outdoor farmers’ market in the city’s historic district and extending the festival’s operating hours into the evening. They also plan to introduce a “Farmers’ Exchange” program, allowing local farmers to trade produce and reduce waste.

The Veggie Fiesta is scheduled to return on September 15‑17, 2026, with a new theme that promises even more family‑friendly activities and a deeper dive into sustainable agriculture. In the meantime, organizers encourage residents to visit the Laredo Main Street Association’s website for updates, a calendar of events, and resources for local farmers who may wish to participate.

For now, the bright banners of Main Street stand as a testament to Laredo’s commitment to fresh food, community pride, and the spirit of partnership—qualities that will no doubt keep the Veggie Fiesta thriving for years to come.