Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Procession of the Species Celebration drew thousands of people to downtown Olympia, as part of the Spring Arts Walk 2025 on Saturday, April 26.
People not only lined up on the streets to get a look at the procession, but also packed bars and restaurants along the route to see the eclectic group of species during the late-afternoon event.
The procession, which originated in 1995 as an Earth Day event, is widely anticipated in Thurston County each year.
In 2024, the procession earned first prize in South Sound and Washington from the Washington Festivals and Events Organization.
The Processions of the Species Celebration was preceeded by the Luminary Procession in downtown Olympia on Friday evening, April 25.
The Luminary Procession also drew thousands of people to downtown Olympia, as participants lighted up the evening with colorful displays of their work.
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Snevets
Another year of greatness
Monday, April 28, 2025 Report this
Annierae
Thank you for your creativity and dedication these past 30 years, Eli Sterling. You've brought SO much joy to our community! Best Procession ever this year. ♥️
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Report this
MisPeeps
I was in the first procession 30 years ago with my kids and again in the procession this year. I cannot even explain how much joy you feel when you're with this crowd in this event. The procession is just one big artistic expression of the love of our planet and our species and our community. All of it's made possible by one man for 30 years. Eli Sterling is a gift to our community. Thank you Eli!
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Report this
LindaD
Do the Arts Walk survey to say you love the Luminary and Procession! Neither is listed in the "what you like best" question, but there's a comment option.https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Folympiawa.us18.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D26246ba82da8d2c60694cb8da%26id%3D64f473d40d%26e%3D7671021aea&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cfa72dede58804b1b2c2f08dd8676a9b3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638814566392402560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=H%2FlWVCus2mfX1r47Bvf1CkwcH23DntU6suapqeqRtNg%3D&reserved=0
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Report this
PeggyJoZim
Thank you for the great pictures! I wasn’t able to attend this year and loved being able to see some of the spectacular “species”. Thank you for covering this wonderful community event. Apparently the Olympian was busy and didn’t get to attend.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Report this