ARTICLE
BETHLEHEM — Vegans, vegetarians and open-minded omnivores took to the South Bethlehem Greenway on Saturday to fill their bellies with plant-based eats at the sixth annual Bethlehem VegFest. The unifying lure for those in attendance was the opportunity to try cruelty-free, meatless meals, from the New York City-based Cinnamon Snail food truck and innovative regional eateries. As a side dish, the event served up animal rights, climate change awareness and environmental activism, along with a splash of cruelty-free clothing and jewelry vendors. Veganism eschews the consumption of all animal products and wearable items, such as leather, in an effort to minimize harm to animals. And the event illustrated the many ways the lifestyle can be fulfilling. "I'm interested in trying to become more vegan," said Louis Cinquino of Bethlehem. "I've found some food places that I'm enjoying." Cinquino enjoyed a cooling orange-coconut ice pop from Mompops while waiting in line at the renowned Vegan Treats Bakery tent. The numerous vendors offered food appealing to all palates. And two stages featured folk music programmed by Godfrey Daniels and local rock musicians. Chefs from area restaurants Greenmouth Juice Bar & Cafe and Shankara offered cooking demos. OMG Smoothies whipped up tasty treats, while Heavenly Hot Dogs prepared loaded vegan weenies topped with guacamole or chili. "Personally, I like seeing all the different options of vegan cuisine and how you can mask protein, like seitan," said Ashvin Iyer of Philadelphia, while waiting in line for a Bee's Knees vegan grilled cheese. "We're trying to explore a lot of vegan options these days," said Evani Patel of Bethlehem. Carol Kauffman and her son Noah of East Greenville, Montgomery County, are vegan and have been supporting the event since its beginning. "It's great because we have so many places we can choose to eat," she said. "It's a good mix of food, animal sanctuaries and advocacy groups," Noah Kauffman added. Groups at the festival included Lepoco , Lehigh Valley Vegetarians, Citizens Climate Lobby, Beagle Freedom Project and more. Sellers of essential oils and chiropractors provided information on natural health options. The long-awaited Whole Foods hosted a tent and Yoga Loft of Bethlehem kicked off the event with a free yoga class. While many omnivores checked out the hearty veggie dishes and ways to improve their health through diet, others stopped in to learn more about transitioning to veganism. Speaker Nicole Moore Eisenberg of Veg Option Allies & Advocates answered questions such as how to maintain relationships with family members who may not understand vegan lifestyles and how to start the conversation with others. "Veganism is really personal," she told the audience. Angie Vasquez understands firsthand. She is a volunteer for Pig Placement Network, an organization that rescues and places unwanted pet pigs. Out of compassion for her porcine friends, Hammy and Linus, she is also a vegan. "There are people that don't know what it takes to take care of a pig," Vasquez said, walking Hammy along the Greenway for a munch of grass. "There's absolutely no such thing as a teacup pig." Hammy could feel comfortable at VegFest, which is organized by the Downtown Bethlehem Association as a way to support and encourage vegans in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Read the original article here.