It’s time to pull together those costumes and masks, giant puppets, artful displays, and instruments and proceed through the streets of Lopez Village in a celebration of the community and the natural world known as the Procession of the Species. Please remember, no motors, no pets, and no written words in the Procession. All are welcome and encouraged to join the fun, and viewers should get there early to stake out a good seat.

Lopez Island Conservation Corps has been the organizer the event since 2011 with support and input from dozens of community members, and sponsorship from the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition. New for 2013 will be Good Steward Award ceremony put on by the Stewardship Network following the Procession. There will also be many local stewardship organizations booths there to share their good work.

A community art studio was held at Lopez School over spring break, and a Procession-themed art exhibit has been up at the Post Office. Polly Ham, enthusiastic artist and Procession volunteer, has been creating a life size elephant in the true spirit of this event.

“The project grew from my dismay at the tragic slaughter of elephants for their tusks, growing even more intense in recent time. This is my prayer that elephants will continue to walk our earth.”

The Procession of the Species is on Saturday, April 20. Gather and check in from 2-2:45 p.m. at the Community Center’s Outdoor Pavilion, and Proceed at 3 p.m. A potluck, Good Stewards Awards, and music will follow. For more information, go to lopezconservationcorps.org or contact Amanda Wedow and Charlie Behnke at 468-2951.