An interview with Veggie Prom organizer Jessica Mahady by Dan Mims.
Jessica Mahady is the force behind (cue booming reverb effect) Veggie Conquest. Started as the banner for a series of vegan cooking competitions, VC has struck a different (and, to my personal joy, decidedly dancier and drinkier) chord with its annual themed parties Veg-O-Ween and Veggie Prom.
The latter is particularly beloved by NYC’s vegan-positive socialites, who can relive the best (and pave over the worst) aspects of that unnerving adolescent milestone, only this time as adults who have the benefit of years of serious partying under their belts. And who can legally drink alcohol. And who don’t have to sneak a bag of peanuts in because the local catering company thinks being a vegan means you get the fish option.
Rest assured that Mahady, as a vegan herself (no surprise there), knows the difference between animal and plant. The 2012 Prom is tonight, starting at 8pm, which means you only have a few hours left to buy your ridiculously reasonable $10 advance tickets ($15 at the door; proceeds benefit animal protection org Mercy For Animals). For those of you who are just finding out about this and are thinking that you don’t have time to find a prom date or prom attire, don’t worry—there’s no need to couple up, and, as a New Yorker, you almost certainly already have an outfit that’ll pass muster. What I’m saying is: no excuses!
To help savor this moment of delicious anticipation, we spoke with Mahady about Veggie Prom’s origin story, her own high school prom, and what to expect at tonight’s much-awaited soirée. Read More…
