Do you ever wish that there was an event like gamers’ GenCon but for foodies? Well, allow me to introduce you to this great event on the evening of August 3 called… FoodCon!

The Harrison Center has hosted FoodCon for the past 8 years. This year's FoodCon (FoodCon VIII) is sponsored by Big Green Indy whose mission is to build a healthier future for kids through a nationwide network of Learning Gardens and food literacy programs. FoodCon VIII will support these causes and features everything from creative gardening displays and live animals, to tofu chairs and coconut oil pulling stations!

There will be several products for sale, such as honeycomb, oils, tea blends, and seeds. Big Green will have a photo exhibition in Speck Gallery that describes their involvement with food culture and Indianapolis’ youth. In addition, our regular First Friday event will occur alongside FoodCon activities, so attendees will be able to view new art in our Harrison, Hank & Dolly’s, City Gallery, and Gallery Annex in addition to interacting with FoodCon vendors.

Not only is the community invited to learn how to care for the environment and create foods in the most inventive ways, but they also can become equipped to share their new foodie-findings with their family and friends! Thus, FoodCon holistically supports Indianapolis’ foodie-scene.

As FoodCon VIII’s coordinator, I have been working with Big Green’s Garden Educator, Colleen Donahoe, to contact a plethora of vendors across the state. This outreach process has been a great learning experience and taught me that Indy’s food scene goes far beyond just eating unusual veggies and avoiding processed foods.

While I am definitely looking forward to all of the vendors’ presentations, I am most excited for the live animals because of their engaging nature and their omnipresent reminder of the roots of our diet. Also, I am enthusiastic to have youth from Felege Hiywot Center and Next Generation Farmers. As humans and community members, we ought to educate ourselves on the proper care for our environment and foods, while also doing our duty to pass on this knowledge to younger generations. There is just so much to learn and so much to share!

So come to FoodCon VIII on August 3 from 6pm to 9pm and learn how you can make a difference in Indy’s environment and food scene. Artwork will also be on display till the end of the month, so you can visit during our gallery hours (Mon-Fri, 9-5pm) if you do not get a chance to attend the opening. Can’t wait to see you there!