I don't normally like to go to food festivals because I always feel like I'd come away disappointed: long lines, overpriced food, stingy portions, and dreaded porta potties. However, I was willing to make an exception for vegan food festivals. 

As soon as my boyfriend and I turned onto the street the festival was on, we saw hundreds of cars already parked along both sides of the roads including the unpaved median strip.

Aside from the huge turnout that early in the day (with an estimated total of 12,000 in attendance), it was also cool seeing the diversity there: vegans/vegetarians of all ages and from all walks of life. And whether or not everyone there was vegan/vegetarian, it was inspiring to see that there is a strong interest in plant-based foods and a more compassionate diet and lifestyle.

It was kind of surreal seeing change makers within the vegan and animal activism community all in one place. Non-profit organizations and animal rescues I read about and support were stationed at tents, one after another. It really gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling of community—of being around like-minded people with a common, philanthropic goal.