Erika Hazel

Vegans and meat eaters alike crowded the Bizerkeley Food Festival today at in celebration of veganism, animal advocacy and local plant-based eats. 

The event was the brainchild of Erika Hazel — known on social media as "The Bizerkeley Vegan” — who wanted to organize a festival bringing together both the vegan and non-vegan community in a setting filled with good food and fun activities.

"My purpose as a food critic is to steer people to veganism in the most fun and happiest way possible. I want to take the trial and error out of going vegan," said Hazel. "I don’t want people to quit because they can’t find the delicious stuff."