Now in its fourth year, the Procession of the Species has become a Lopez tradition to celebrate the natural world, art and community. Species masks, costumes, puppets, and music will descend on Lopez Village for a fun, joyful Earth Day gathering.
The Lopez Island Conservation Corps has organized the event since 2011 with support from community members and sponsorship by the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition. This Earth Day celebration is modeled after the Olympia Procession of the Species, now in its 20th year. “For a small community, the Lopez Procession of the Species is a big event,” says organizer Amanda Wedow. “The creativity and enthusiasm are inspiring.” Such art can be viewed at the post office, where Polly Ham set up a display of costumes and photographs from previous years.
A community art studio at Lopez school over spring break provided free supplies and mentorship to anyone wanting to create art.
“The kids that came to the studio were very excited about making costumes” she says, “they knew what species they wanted to be and were creative with all the paint, fabric and other materials available to make what they envisioned. I can’t wait to see them in the Procession.”
The Procession of the Species is on Saturday, April 19 from 3-4 p.m.
Check-in from 2-2:45 p.m. at the Community Center’s outdoor pavilion. The walk is a one-mile loop through the village. There are three guidelines to follow: no motors, no pets, and no written words.
The procession can be viewed from most village landmarks. For more info, contact Amanda Wedow at 468-2951.
