By Sierra Smith | Photographs from Tara Antill
WHO: More than 5,000 attendees, including many local veg-friendly vendors like Apteka, B52 Cafe, Goods and Evil Clothing, and numerous animal welfare organizations.
WHAT: Hosted by Justice for Animals, Pittsburgh’s freshest outdoor festival invited carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike to come out and celebrate the vibrant and diverse animal advocacy in our city.
WHERE: Allegheny Commons Park East
HIGHLIGHTS: A full spectrum of the area’s finest vendors came out, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy delicious food from places like the Asian-fusion Onion Maiden; try organic products from 1944 Vegan Skin Care; and purchase planters, terrariums, and more from Rustbelt Workshop. Doc the Pig, the cutest ambassador for the vegan lifestyle, was also in attendance, mingling with the crowd as local bands provided the soundtrack for the sunny day.
“We are grateful to everyone who came out to support VegFest. Most [people weren’t] even vegan or vegetarian. It makes us excited and happy, [because] after all, that’s the point — to spread compassion and awareness. We know we’ll get bigger and better every year!” — Leila Sleiman, co-founder of Justice for Animals