There probably isn't a vegetarian alive who has not heard a meat eater say to him or her at least once, "Wouldn't you really like to have a big, juicy steak right now?" and always in a lascivious tone. The usual reply: "Get lost." But beyond such protestations, vegetarians have had little recourse.

Enter Veggie Pride Parade 2009, an event that surely brought meatless living a much-needed boost. Building on the overwhelming success of the 2008 parade, this year's march through Greenwich Village, New York City, was even more uplifting and spectacular for its participants.

Individually, one may be an animal-rights activist, another, an environmentalist, another, a person concerned with his or her health. But on Sunday, May 17, 2009, all came together with one voice, one expression, of veggie pride.

Parade participants were, as in 2008, encouraged to dress up in costumes and to wear sign boards announcing their pride in their vegetarian lifestyle. Local restaurants and vegetarian groups were represented with banners and chants. PeTA's Chris P. Carrot and Penelo Pea Pod (the seven-foot-tall human peapod) again were the grand marshals at the head of the parade. The scene was simply awe-inspiring.

The procession began as last year at 12 Noon in the Olde Meat District (where 9th Avenue and Gansevoort Street intersect). It culminated in Union Square Park (north end, across the street from Barnes & Noble) where a festival of music, over a dozen speakers, 38 exhibitors, and free veganfood took place.

• At 2:15 p.m., the winners of a costume and poster-slogan contest were announced on stage.

Organizer Pamela Rice feels confident that the 2009 parade was indeed bigger and better." The crowds easily reached a thousand when the parade first reached the park. Cheryl Hill greeted the marchers with live renditions of her original songs. Each speaker was an inspiration. And the exhibitors did their true utmost to put on an appealing vegan face for the veggie curiuos in our midst. Ms. Rice declared, "I feel confident that at this event people saw vegans and vegetarians come out from the shadows once and for all."

Visit www.veggieprideparade.org for more information about every aspect of the event.