A Magical Celebration of Nature, Art, and Community
Join us on May 3, 2025 in Bellingham, WA for a day of wonder and creativity!
Made possible in part by City of Bellingham lodging tax revenue
THANK YOU, BELLINGHAM!What a spectacular day of art, nature, and community spirit! The 2025 Procession of the Species exceeded all our expectations, bringing together approximately 800 costumed participants in the parade and nearly 1,000 people at the Maritime Heritage Park festival.
Special Thanks To:
- Every participant who marched in costume
- Our incredible volunteers who made everything run smoothly
- Our community partners and local businesses
- The entire Parks & Recreation team
- All the families who joined our craft days
- Everyone who came to cheer and celebrate
Relive The Magic
Check out the video below to relive this magical day!
Video credit: Leo Schumaker
Looking AheadThis successful event lays the foundation for future celebrations. We're already dreaming about next year's procession! Stay connected with Gabriel's Art Kids for upcoming events and opportunities.
With gratitude and joy,
The Procession of the Species Team
Gabriel's Art Kids & COB Parks and Recreation
Welcome to a Beloved Bellingham Tradition!
Whether you're a long-time participant or joining us for the first time, you and your family will find something special in this community celebration. From creating your own wildlife costume to enjoying live performances and interactive art, every moment is designed to spark joy and wonder.
Roots of the Celebration: A Legacy of Art and Ecology
From its grassroots origins in Olympia to Bellingham’s Centennial-inspired rebirth, the Procession of the Species has always been a tapestry of community, creativity, and reverence for the natural world.
Pioneered locally by Joy Monjure in 2003 and sustained for decades by volunteers like Carol Oberton.
This tradition embodies Bellingham’s spirit of collaboration and ecological care.
Guided by Olympia’s founding principles (no words, no pets, no motors), the Procession became a beacon of inclusive artistry, uniting generations until its pause in 2019. Now, as Gabriel’s Art Kids and COB Parks & Recreation reignite this legacy in 2025, we honor its past while weaving new threads of wonder where art and ecology dance together. 🌿✨
A New Journey Through Our City
The parade will begin at Lee Memorial Park (Library lawn) and journey 0.46 miles through downtown to finish at Maritime Heritage Park.
Create Your Costume!
Join us for family craft days this April!
Sunday, April 13th
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion
Sunday, April 27th
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion
Host a Procession Craft Night!
Bring the Procession Magic to Your Neighborhood!
You Provide
Your space (community center, studio, business after hours) and invite friends, neighbors & customers
We Provide
ALL supplies + experienced craft teachers to guide the creative process
Everyone Creates
Amazing wildlife costumes for the Procession of the Species parade on May 3rd
Hosting makes you an official Procession Partner with promotion in our event materials and social media!
BECOME A HOSTFestival Fun at the Park
- Art & Education Tables: Explore interactive art and wildlife education activities.
- Chalk Art Spaces: Chalk art spaces for spontaneous creativity
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances and activities for all ages.
Making Your Day Special with our community partner
Our 2025 Partners
Join us in celebrating nature, art, and community!
| Partner | Activity |
|---|---|
| Art & Happiness | Face painting & balloon animals |
| Barefeet Farm School | Nature crown making & summer camp information |
| Challice Illustrations | Live art, face painting & temporary nature tattoos |
| COB Parks & Recreation | Event support & activities |
| Portraits à Gogo Photo Booth | Event photography & digital photo booth |
| Murimba Band | Live musical performance |
| Shoestring Circus | Animal-costumed performers & circus tricks |
| Sustainable Connections | Environmental education & Squatch mascot appearance |
| The Bagelry | Endangered species education & prize wheel |
| Whatcom Museum | Craft support (Pre-event workshop on May 2nd) |
Join Our Community of Partners
Partnership Opportunities Include:
- Special promotions for costumed participants on event day
- Interactive booth spaces at Maritime Heritage Park
- Art supply donations for community craft days
- Cross-promotional opportunities before and during the event
Join the Parade
We'd love to have you join the procession! Registration is quick and simple - we'll just need:
- Your contact information
- Number of people in your group
- Whether you're bringing a float
Are you a business or organization? Please use our Community Partner Form instead.
On Parade Day:
- Arrive at Lee Memorial Park by 1:30 PM (or 1:00 PM if you have a float)
- Check in at our welcome table
- Wear your costume and comfortable walking shoes
- Bring water to stay hydrated
- Be ready to start at 2:00 PM sharp
Costume & Float Guidelines
Procession of Species 2025
Welcome to the Procession of Species 2025! This event celebrates creativity, nature, and community. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review the following guidelines.
Costumes should reflect the beauty and diversity of nature. Think animals, plants, insects, or mythical creatures inspired by the natural world.
- No words
- No naked body paint (body paint allowed but must be appropriately covered)
- No glass
- No live animals
- Use eco-friendly, biodegradable, or recycled materials whenever possible
- Avoid unused plastic or non-recyclable items (e.g., styrofoam)
- Pro tip: mod podge over your paint to help protect it from the weather
- No real animal skins or furs
Keep costumes manageable—no wider than 6 feet or taller than 10 feet
Coordinate your costumes to represent a shared theme (e.g., a flock of birds, a coral reef, or a forest ecosystem)
All floats must be human-powered (pushed or pulled). No motorized vehicles or engines allowed
Maximum dimensions: 10 feet tall, 8 feet wide, and 12 feet long
Use sustainable, lightweight materials like cardboard, bamboo, or fabric
Ensure your float is stable and secure. Avoid sharp edges, loose parts, or anything that could fall
Assign roles for pushing/pulling and guiding the float during the procession
All participants must register in advance
Arrive at least 1 hour before the procession begins
Leave no trace! Dispose of waste properly and recycle materials
You are responsible for your own costume and/or float, including:
- Transportation to and from craft days
- Safety and security against weather conditions
- Protection against inclement weather, high winds, or other conditions
- Animals: endangered species, local wildlife, mythical creatures
- Ecosystems: forests, oceans, deserts, wetlands
- Plants and Trees: flowers, trees, other plant life
- Weather and Elements: rain, wind, sunlight
Questions? Contact Casey at [email protected]
