On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Mike in Oly
It was with much excitement that we headed out to watch the annual Procession of the Species parade, as part of Olympia’s Arts Walk weekend. Held the last weekend of April every year, it is a fun and festive time for the whole city. Crowds line the streets to see all the creative costumes and displays, and dance along with the marching bands.
This year’s parade did not disappoint. Many old favorites and some new ones too.
It was a beautiful sunny day. Could not have asked for better weather, which is not always the case in western Washington in April. We got to take two family members this year who had not seen it before, and it was great fun to see their excitement at all the creativity. Here are some highlights.
Leading the parade was a murder of crows and ravens, accompanied by their own corvid musicians.
Bald eagle out front too.
This person was serving spotted owl couture.
The giant peacock is always a crowd pleaser. They fully expand the tail at every intersection to cheers from the crowd.
I thought this egret was well done.
A large flock of birds.
Followed by a sky-themed band.
Here come the butterflies.
The giant monarch was a hit!
It’s the PNW so there has to be a banana slug.
Baud
Not gonna lie, I was hoping for actual animals.
Very neat parade. It’s nice to see people doing things like this.
They should invite A Flock of Seagulls to march next year.
MagdaInBlack
Well! This is fun! Thank you for sharing =-)
Chris T.
@Baud:
Wouldn’t they just run, run so far away?
Gloria DryGarden
Very cool. So animals positive, so aware of our natural world. Incredible costuming. What a delight.
but, an armadillo? From Amarillo? They don’t live up in one, right?
speaking of real animals, My friend in n rural Georgia tells me he rescued a lizzard from his water bucket, and now she hangs out with him in the sun and shade, on his steps. Sometimes just 8 inches away.
Gloria DryGarden
@Gloria DryGarden: pnw.
auto correct decided I meant “one” . Golly.
stinger
Why, it’s like Monday here on OTR! Which doesn’t seem wrong, after a 3-day weekend.
What amazing art! Thank you for sharing!
MCat
Great! That is a wonderful idea. Lot of fun.
DFH
Thanks, very enjoyable this morning.
Taphozous
It was a great day and the creativity of the participants was great. Thanks for sharing these photos of an awesome Olympia event.
H.E.Wolf
Thank you for these great photos, and the captions. A day-brightener, for sure!
SkyBluePink
What fun and creativity! Bright spot in a dreary day.
cope
Now that’s a parade I could enjoy…no clowns.
Thank you, that was fun.
WaterGirl
Love the pants on the spotted owl. They totally make the outfit!
pieceofpeace
This home-y parade was delightful! Especially as I saw nothing corporate looking, just a really fun event for everyone…
BigJimSlade
@Chris T.: Sure, but they couldn’t get away.
Mike in Oly
@pieceofpeace:
Nothing corporate at all, and not even text allowed. Only nature imagery.
Glad everyone enjoyed this. More to come!
sab
That is the weirdest and most entertaining parade idea I have ever heard of.
Duckpocalypse
Hooray for Corvidae!