One of my kids' teachers had the whole class dress in orange. They made green plumed hats. She connected the hats to with a brown sheet, had the kids put on the hats and voila - a carrot patch! That was my first experience with the Procession of the Species, a 20+ year old event celebrating Earth Day and held on the weekend closest to April 22.
In 1995 a group of local residents came up with the idea as a way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day and to support Congressional renewal of the endangered species act. The decided on a procession. They established three rules:
No written words No live pets No motorized vehicle
Also, being a family event and a celebration of life, nudity and sexually suggestive behavior is prohibited - a fact that distinguishes the Procession of the Species from the Fremont Solstice Parade in Seattle.
It's a procession, not a parade, to give it some distinction from military parades,and it draws tens of thousands of people into Olympia's downtown for a spectacularly fun experience.
A whale, two octupuses a flamingo and, of course, a geoduck!
Impromptu chalk artists use chalk handed out by the procession organizers to leave their mark on the street.
The sun leads the procession - spiting the raindrops
Participants and viewers adopt signature poses.
Composed of dancers and musicians, Samba OlyWA is the heart and soul of the procession. This year, dressed as red-headed woodpeckers they drummed, played and pranced through the streets with unfailing energy.
Love these sketches!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane! This looks so fun and festive! I admire your lively crowd scenes.
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