All Species Parade

The All Species Parade was organized for the St. Louis Earth Day celebration of 1990 with the slogan “Make A Change”. (Note auspicious similarity to this year’s theme: “Be the Change”!) It has continued to dance its way through every festival since. In recent years, the parade has kicked off the Festival, led by the Joia World Percussion Ensemble.

Earth Day Proclamation, presented at the 2010 (21st annual) St. Louis Earth Day Festival by Mayor Slay.

The All Species Parade is an opportunity to connect with the arts while renewing our commitment to the planet and all of our co-inhabitants. As the Earth Day Proclamation, pictured above, describes “the All Species Parade, part of the Earth Day Festival in St. Louis celebrates the importance of all species of flora and fauna; and whereas, I encourage all citizens to take this opportunity to learn about respect and celebrate our connection to life on earth and to take measures to give back on Earth Day and every day.”

An All Species Parade of times past.

After rediscovering the rich history of the All Species Parade, we decided that this year was the year to reinvigorate a true St. Louis tradition. (You can view pictures of the rediscovery from our Flickr page.)

On Saturday, March 26th you can get a head start on your costume and props by visiting the Teachers’ Recycle Center in Crestwood Court to select your building materials before heading down to “Play Your Art Out” at the Crestwood Court ArtSpace where you’ll bring life to your ideas. A donation of $5 is suggested to help cover the costs of materials. Come prepared… an impromptu “practice” parade just may be the culmination of the day!

Starting at 10am on April 17th, join the Green Strum Project and the Teachers’ Recycle Center at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival grounds to create a musical instrument, mask or prop to carry with you in the Parade using found objects and recycled materials or to make last minute touches on your March 26th creations.

Impish Grin Face Art will also be at the Festival from 10am to 11am, helping you get ready for the Parade with FREE face painting! Impish Grin Face Art is St Louis’ premiere face painting group. Led by professionally trained, award winning face artist, Laura Hanser, Impish Grin’s whimsical designs are easily recognised at any event. Using only safe, FDA-compliant cosmetic makeup and glitters, their creative designs magically transform guests of all ages,offering an experience that lasts long after the makeup has washed off!

Follow this link to download a pdf version of the flier pictured above that you can print or email and share!

Visit our Festival Calendar or sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep up-to-date on details for these two special events.