Hi all,

Gay Pride is just around the corner, but before we even get to that, we have another exciting opportunity to strut our stuff: the first-ever Veggie Pride Parade in the U.S.!

The Parisians were the first to promenade their veg*n selves, in 2001, and the American parade will take place the same weekend as theirs. Let's join in and show everyone how VegOut and proud we are!

When: Sunday, May 18

Where: We'll gather at 'sNice for breakfast and coffee before the parade. It's the closest veg restaurant to the starting point, so will probably be crowded! Look for other VegOuters in special edition parade t-shirts (watch your emails for details on how to get yours!).

How: The lineup starts at 11:00 a.m. in the Meat Packing District (ugh...), where 9th Ave., Gansevoort St., Greenwich St. and Little W. 12th intersect. The procession starts at noon and will make its way to the eastern end of Washington Square Park, where there will be music (including vegan rocker Cheryl Hill), speakers, vendors, etc.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and signs announcing their veggie pride. Local restaurants will be represented with banners.

At 2:00 p.m. there will be a post-parade rally in the park, and the winners of costume and poster-slogan contests will be announced.

At 4:00 p.m., Penelo Pea Pod (mascot of parade sponsor VivaVegie Society) will be married...to what or whom, we don't yet know.

Please let us know if you'd like to march with us and/or you'd be interested in helping out (details TK, but we'll definitely need a banner, signs, costumes, etc.).

Check out www.veggieprideparade.org for more information about volunteering, advertising, sponsorship, etc.