Ever seen a parade of plants, animals (not real ones) and, er, elements (earth, wind and fire, etc.) just walking down the street?
Now you can.
A colorful parade that celebrates the natural world is planned in Albany four days after Earth Day. People will march together in costumes that celebrate the earth, from animals to plants to elements.
The inaugural Albany Procession of the Species will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26. Interested individuals, schools, organizations and businesses are invited to dress up and join the parade.
“You can dress up like animals, plants, arachnids, whatever! It’s just having fun together and trying to break down barriers,” said Tiah Swanson, the event organizer.
The Procession of the Species provides an opportunity to come together as a community to honor and respect the natural world with a fun and colorful parade, organizers say. It is a way for people to connect with each other and participate in something bigger than themselves, said Rich Little, program administrator of the 21st Century Community Learning Center in Sweet Home.
“There are so many connections that we all have in common,” he said. “Everybody can celebrate something in their world…whether it be the buzzing of the bee (or) the growth of a tree. It’s a sense of belonging.”
The Procession of the Species originated in Olympia, Wash. in 1995. Two years ago, Swanson attended the Olympia parade and was inspired to organize one of her own. She’s not alone: The event has inspired people to start their own parades all over the world, according to multiple Web sites devoted to the topic.
There are only three rules for those who want to participate in the parade: no live animals, no motorized vehicles and no signs – not even on t-shirts or hats. Swanson said that the prohibition on signs will prevent division and competition.
The parade will feature drumming circles and dancers, and there will be live music provided by Michael Sterns, a Seattle-based composer who will sing about positive self-esteem and the environment.
Little said he plans to participate in the parade with students from the Sweet Home After School Program and Swanson said she hopes that other Sweet Home residents will be inspired to participate as well.
“Different communities have a lot of things to share with each other – and it’s fun!” she said. “…I think it’s going to be very powerful.”
The parade will begin at Broadalbin Street and Water Avenue and serpentine along First, Second, Third and Fourth avenues, ending at the Courthouse. Interested participants can contact Tiah Swanson at (541) 924-9758 for more information.