Sunday, April 26, 2009, was the first annual Veggie Pride Parade in LA! (If it wasn’t for Melisser, I wouldn’t have remembered [my mind has been so focused in getting my portfolio ready, I've been so absent from everything else]) The event began at 11:00 AM, where everyone could enjoy some live music, eat freshly cooked vegan meals, buy veggie apparel/accessories/books, get info on the inhumane treatment of animals, and just chill amongst other awesome veggie people in the nice cool weather. There were those who dressed in costume, which added a fun spark when scanning the crowd. While roaming around I bumped into Hugger Food, Leo Flowers, Melisser & Strummer, Kim (she had a booth for selling her baked treats. I’m a HUGE fan of her peanut butter cookies), and Jennifer (whom I finally got to meet! She is incredibly sweet with a good taste in music).
The march then started at 12:00 PM. People honked their horns when passing by and the crowd chanted and sang , informing the world the right way of being green. We walked from Washington Blvd (in Culver City) to Venice and back again. (sorry about the video being so crappy. My camera’s uber old, but at least you can make out what’s going on) Along the way, we spoke to cool people and befriended many (although this one lady bitched me because I put a Happy Cow sticker on an electrical booth. She called it “Vandalizing property and giving vegans a bad reputation.” Eh. Whatever. I’m not going to get on my soap box). Towards the end of the march Jen and I ended up carrying a banner that said “Stick up for chickens! Go vegan!” I absolutely enjoyed it. I loved the people, the support, and the friendly atmosphere. It could have been a lot more organized, but it’s the first time that it’s been done here in LA. I have a feeling that next year is going to be a whole lot better. It was great to see familiar faces again and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys sometime soon!
Hands down the best costume at the parade. This guy deserved an award. A walking cube of tofu, you can’t beat that.
I bought things here and there, eventually I went broke. I wanted to get a magnet (the one pictured below), but ended up not having enough money for the tax (damn raised taxes–9.25%!). This woman standing next to me said that she would cover the rest of the cost and I just couldn’t let her do that, but she kept insisting and forced the money in my hand. So, because of her, I now own this magnet in my room. I couldn’t stop thanking her, I wanted to cry tears of joy because of her kindness. You, lady, are freakn FABULOUS! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I believe in Karma and she will definitely get something amazing out of life.
Images ™ J. Afsoon A.
