Sun shines on joyful Procession of the Species

The sun shone, but the wind also blew, as colorful birds, regal predators, and flowing marine life wound their way through downtown Olympia Saturday afternoon as part of the Procession of the Species.

The iconic rite of spring in Olympia infused downtown with chalk art, families and energetic drum beats. While the skies were a bright blue, brisk breezes kept temperatures in the 50s and well-prepared spectators in warm jackets and hats.

Not all the creatures were in the Procession. Sidewalks were crawling with wannabe and some-day Procession participants dressed in flowery headdresses, dinosaur caps, and tiger ears.

“We’re not quite ready to be part of the action,” said Amanda Jenkins, pointing to her children, Eliza, 3, and Matilda, 5, Fincannon, who along with their cousin, Eva Kruse, 7, were dressed as butterflies. Instead they’d staked out a spot in front of Selden’s Furniture to watch with the rest of their extended family.

This story was originally published April 27, 2019 at 4:28 PM.