Many of the hottest and newest gluten-free foods, including products from more than 25 metro Atlanta vendors, will fill the ballroom at the Norcross Hilton on October 22nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the fifth annual Atlanta Gluten-Free Expo hosted by the Gluten Intolerance Group of Atlanta (GIG of Atlanta).
Created and coordinated by the GIG of Atlanta Board of Directors, the event is open to the public and welcomes familiar and newly introduced gluten-free community members.
"Last year, more than 1,100 people filled the event and we expect a great turnout again this year,” GIG of Atlanta board members said. “Can you imagine eating gluten free and walking into an event where you can safely taste everything offered? It’s bound to be a phenomenal experience.”
Admission is $10 per adult, while kids 12 and under are free. At the event, GIG of Atlanta is offering a discounted membership fee of $10 (normally $15) that lasts through the end of 2012. The first 75 people to take advantage of the discounted rate will receive a tote bag full of gluten-free goodies.
Sampling of gluten-free foods begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. with guest speakers and programs rounding out the day. Products will also be available for sale, so attendees should come prepared to take advantage of discount show prices.
Those who attend this year’s expo will find a day jam-packed with speakers and complimentary samples for the gluten-free lifestyle. Every product for sample and for sale is gluten free and many vendors also offer vegan, casein-free, dairy-free, and soy-free products.
Hosted by GIG of Atlanta, a support group for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, the Expo is sponsored by, Estrella Damm Daura, Ingles Markets, Pamela’s Products, Penta Water, Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery, and Trader Joe’s.
Dr. Cynthia Rudert M.D., F.A.C.P., a Board Certified Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Celiac Disease, is serving as the key note speaker for this year’s expo. Dr. Rudert’s lecture will cover both Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity and it will start promptly at 9:00a.m.
"This expo is a fabulous way to allow people who are following the gluten-free diet to sample products prior to purchasing,” GIG of Atlanta board members said. “Not all gluten-free food is created equally, so being allowed the chance to sample it before purchasing it is a great way to save money, taste new items and expand your product selections.”
2011 vendors from metro Atlanta include but are not limited to: American Gra-Frutti, Dr. Sweet’s Cake Emporium, Frannie’s Gluten Free, GalloLea Organics, and Maggiano’s Little Italy. National vendors this year include: Amy’s Kitchen, Delight Gluten Free Magazine, General Mills, No ‘Nuttin Natural Foods, and Whole Foods Market. A complete list of participating vendors can be found on their website.
Proceeds from this year’s expo support the programming expenses of the GIG of Atlanta support group.
The 2011 Atlanta Gluten-Free Expo will be held at the Hilton Hotel, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, Ga. 30092. For more information visit the GIG of Atlanta website www.gigofatlanta.com or for directions call the hotel at 770-447-4747.
The Gluten Intolerance Group of Atlanta (GIG of Atlanta) is a local support group that is managed by a volunteer board of directors and it is a branch of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG). Membership in the group is open to all individuals who are following the gluten-free diet. The group is based in Atlanta. Its primary objective is to offer support and information for those who are following the gluten-free diet and members of their households.
Let Us Know What You Think