A Magical Celebration of Nature, Art, and Community
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Bellingham, WA · During Children's Art Walk
Made possible in part by City of Bellingham lodging tax revenue
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 2026, we honor its past while weaving new threads of wonder where art and ecology dance together. 🌿✨
A New Journey Through Our City
🚗 Parking note: The High School lot is for staging only — please use offsite downtown parking. Drop-off of floats or family members in the HS lot is welcome.
|
Festival Fun at the ParkAfter the procession, join us at Maritime Heritage Park from 2–6 PM for a celebration of creativity and community! Here's what you can look forward to:
|
Create Your Costume!
Join us for family craft days this April! All ages welcome — FREE!
Sunday, April 12th
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion
Sunday, April 26th
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion
Wednesday, April 22nd Evening
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
GAK Dupont — 1405 Dupont St, Bellingham
Want to Host a Craft Night?
Bring the Procession magic to your neighborhood! You provide the space — we bring all the supplies and teachers. Become an official Procession Partner!
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 2, 2026
✦ Hosting makes you an official Procession Partner with promotion in our event materials and social media!
Partner With Us!
We're excited to collaborate with Bellingham businesses and organizations that share our passion for community, art, and nature. There are two ways to be part of the celebration!
Sell at the Event
Become a Vendor
Sell food, art, or handmade goods at Maritime Heritage Park during the festival.
Engage & Educate
Community Partner
Host an educational booth, sponsor craft days, or offer perks for costumed participants.
Questions? Contact Annabeth at [email protected]
Join us in celebrating nature, art, and community!
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 Ohio St & Cornwall Ave (near Bellingham High School) by 1:30 PM (or 1:00 PM if you have a float). The procession ends at Maritime Heritage Park.
- 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 2026
Welcome to the Procession of Species 2026! 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 Anna Beth at [email protected]
