On April 25, the Edward Kyzer Newberry Firehouse Conference Center will host the area’s first Plant-Based Mac & Cheese Fest, a community fundraiser that blends food, creativity, and local impact into one afternoon event.

Running from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the festival will feature plant-based mac and cheese offerings alongside a curated group of local craft, art, and floral vendors. Event organizers say the goal is to create a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere while raising funds for Wild Pines Sanctuary and the Cotton Branch Refuge Project.

In addition to food, attendees can browse handmade goods including crochet, embroidery, artwork, macramé, pottery, quilting, jewelry, and other artisan creations. Organizers are also encouraging participation from vendors offering floral arrangements, plant starters, and mushroom-related products, making the event a blend of sustainability, creativity, and small-business support.

One unique aspect of the event is its vendor model. To encourage participation and keep the focus on community, vendor fees have been waived for this inaugural year. With attendance capped at just 100 tickets, organizers say the event is intentionally small and personal, designed to support ethical, local businesses rather than large-scale commercial vendors.

“This is about bringing people together, supporting local makers, and giving back,” the event’s organizer shared in a post calling for vendors. “We’re keeping it intimate and meaningful.”

Local artisans interested in participating are asked to message the event organizers directly with photos of their work. Organizers note that reliability and commitment are essential, as space is limited.

For residents looking for something different to do this spring, the Plant-Based Mac & Cheese Fest offers a chance to enjoy comfort food with a purpose while discovering small businesses from around the region.

More details about tickets and vendors are expected to be announced closer to the event date.