Dancing black bear in Hood River

As part of the Columbia Gorge Earth Day 2002 celebration, Hood River will launch its first "Procession of the Species" parade on April 20 at 2 p.m.

The Procession originated in Olympia in 1995. Since the kick-off in Olympia, 18 other towns in the U.S. have made the Procession a yearly community event as well.

You will not see draft horses, fire trucks, or protest banners in this parade, because there are three simple rules that keep the usual parade spectacles at bay.

The three rules are: no written words, no live pets, and no motorized vehicles.

This is a parade to honor and celebrate all species, and that includes human beings. If you can walk, hop, roll, or stroll, you are encouraged to participate.

For more information, please visit the Columbia Gorge Earth Network website at www.gorge-earth-network.org, e-mail info@gorge-earth-network.org, or call (541) 387-0397.