By Julie Summers
Islands’ Weekly
Last April, Lopezians donned costumes and masks, carried giant puppets, and proceeded through the streets of Lopez Village in a celebration of the natural world known as the Procession of the Species. On April 22, the Procession will return for a second year, check in starts at 4 p.m. at the Community Center’s Outdoor Pavilion, and proceed at 4:30 p.m. A community potluck will follow the event.
The Lopez event is patterned after the original Procession of the Species. Created in Olympia in 1995 as a joyous, spontaneous artistic extravaganza where community members celebrate their relationships with each other and with the natural world, it has been spreading to communities across the globe ever since.
The Lopez Island Conservation Corps pioneered the Lopez Procession last year, and they’re at the helm once again, with support and input from dozens of community members and sponsorship from the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition.
A number of classes, art workshops, and other events have been held in anticipation of the Procession, including a species-themed art day with the elementary school kids, a community art studio held at Lopez School over spring break, and a Procession-themed art exhibit at the Lopez Library.
Last year’s event brought a strong turnout and much positive feedback from the community. LICC Program Leaders Amanda Wedow and Charlie Behnke say they’re excited to build on that strong foundation and further establish the Procession as a truly Lopezian tradition: “We’re grateful for the community’s support and are anxious to see what amazing creature creations come out this year.”
Whether you want to participate in the Procession or just sit on the sidelines and enjoy the show, all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
For more coverage of Earth Day and the Procession of the Species, check out “Stone Soup Stories,” inserted into today’s edition of the Islands’ Weekly. Published by the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition, “Stone Soup Stories” celebrates volunteerism on Lopez. This edition honors Earth Day by featuring local individuals and organizations working to preserve our rock.
For more info, visit lopezconservationcorps.org or call 468-2951.
