Under the hot July sun, families and friends gathered recently at Daniel Rice Field in Bethlehem during the eighth annual VegFest Street and Food Festival.

The festival theme was vegetarian and vegan food accompanied by nonprofit organizations and retail vendors.

Many in attendance opted to try meatless meals while listening to live music and taking informational pamphlets from animal rights activists, pig rescuers and environmental activists.

Food trucks and food stations recreated classic dishes, minus animal product ingredients.

Not only were there vegan burgers and desserts, animal-free clothing and skin care products were also on display and for sale. Animal-friendly knickknacks and crafts for children were also available.

Bethlehem’s very own Vegan Treats Bakery catered to a long line of individuals anxious to devour vegan pastries which included cannoli, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.

“I am a vegetarian, but I am interested in going vegan,” Jailene Santiago, of Bethlehem, said.

“All of this great food is showing me that I need to transition my diet. Did you see PeeWee the pig over there? Seeing a live farm animal just made me open my eyes and view animals in a totally different light.”

Although veganism is a personal choice, the amount of open-minded omnivores simply interested in trying the food, wearable items and listening to the activists was overwhelming.