Series of free community workshops available to create costumes

Vancouver, Wash. – The Procession of the Species is returning to this year’s Recycled Arts Festival. The festival will host a series of free workshops to help participants get their costumes ready for the Sunday, June 24, parade.

The free event is open to people of all ages.

The procession, which originated in Olympia in 1995 and debuted in Clark County at last year’s festival, is a celebration of community and the natural world through art.

The Recycled Arts Festival runs 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, June 23, and 9 am to 4 pm Sunday, June 24, in Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St. The Procession of the Species, which is open to all ages, begins at 11 am Sunday, June 24, with registration beginning at 10:30 am. The cast of costumed characters, led by the Brazilian beats of MARACATUpdx, will wind through Esther Short Park.

“We are excited to bring this event back to our annual festival,” said Sally Fisher, Clark County Public Health program coordinator. “It's another way to bring the community together to celebrate our environment, which is what the weekend is all about.”

Procession participants can attend free community workshops to create their costumes representing animal species or elements, such as fire, earth or water. Repurposed materials will be supplied, and people are welcome to bring their own materials, as well.

Here’s the workshop schedule:

• 3-5 pm Thursday, June 7, at River HomeLink, 610 SW Eaton Blvd., Battle Ground.
• 3-5 pm Friday, June 8, at River HomeLink, 610 SW Eaton Blvd., Battle Ground.
• 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Friday, June 15, at Vancouver Community Library, Skamania Room, 901 C St.
• 10 am to noon Saturday, June 16, at Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St.
• 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Friday, June 22, at Vancouver Community Library, Skamania Room, 901 C St.
• 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, June 23, at Recycled Arts Festival Children’s Crafts Tent, Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St.

Registration for the workshops is required. Go to www.recycledartsfestival.com/POTS for information and to sign up.

CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong
Public Health
564.397.7307
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov