Procession of the Species Celebration is back and will hold its kick-off gathering on September 30

The Procession of the Species Celebration is making its comeback, and the public is invited to the Kick-off Gathering this Saturday, September 30 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Olympia Armory Creative Campus.

This free event will include early-bird tours of the future Procession studio from 10 to 10:45 a.m., a kick-off meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the chance to play the drums and dance with Samba Olywa from 1:15pm to 2:00 pm.

The aim of the kick-off gathering is to build creative and organizational momentum for the Procession 2024 and is open for volunteers and creative ideas.

“We’re inviting those who care about the Procession to join us on September 30 to connect with others, learn more, and discover ways to channel energy, talent, and passion into sustaining the Procession into the future”, said Director Eli Sterling.

This celebration is a joyous event embracing art, music, and dance to inspire better learning, appreciation, and protection of the natural world.

Downtown Olympia has been filled with participants of the beloved celebration but was put on pause since 2020 due of the pandemic.

Partnering once again with the City of Olympia’s Spring Arts Walk Weekend, the Procession will again grace the streets this coming April 26 and 27, 2024, with the theme, “The Rise of Reflection.”

Because of the support of the City of Olympia, studio space will be available at the Olympia Armory Creative Campus starting March 1 all the way to April for the preparation of the upcoming Procession.

This beloved celebration will run for seven weeks of art, music and dance workshops, and are open to the public, inspiring personal understanding of local action for wildlife protection.

During the event, residents can display their creativity, strutting the streets of Olympia in masks and costumes and carrying colorful banners, windsocks, and giant puppets.

Led by Earthbound Productions, the Procession will need more than 100 community volunteers to assist in creating and producing the event.

Learn more about the Procession, the Kick-off Gathering, and how to volunteer on their official website.