4/18: 4th Annual Procession of Appalachian Species
Springhouse is thrilled to announce the 4th Annual Procession of Appalachian Species, a giant puppet and costume parade celebrating the rich biodiversity of the Appalachian region. The event will be held on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Lineberry Park in Floyd, Virginia.
This beloved community tradition invites people of all ages to create and wear puppets or costumes representing their favorite Appalachian species, then parade together in joyful celebration of Earth Day and the natural world that surrounds us. Paraders are also needed to carry existing puppets – all are welcome — no experience necessary, just a love of nature and a spirit of creativity.
2026 Theme: The Little River
This year’s parade flows along the theme of The Little River. Participants are encouraged to bring to life the extraordinary creatures — plant, animal, fungal, and beyond — that inhabit and depend upon our regional waterways and surrounding landscapes. All Appalachian species are welcome in the procession.
Puppet Making Open Studios
Not sure how to build your puppet? Springhouse is hosting Puppet Making Open Studios on Friday afternoons from 4:00–6:30 PM at 110 Main St, Floyd, VA (behind Finn Graphics). Drop in on any of the following dates:
• Friday, March 27th
• Friday, April 3rd
• Friday, April 10th
• Friday, April 17th
These open studio sessions are free and open to all community members. Materials and guidance will be provided.
Procession of Appalachian Species Event Details
Event website: https://springhouse.org/event/procession-of-appalachian-species/
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Lineberry Park, Floyd, Virginia
Cost: Free and open to the public
Theme: The Little River
Day-of Schedule
10:00 – 11:30 AM Puppet Making & Preparation
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Parade Time
12:15 – 2:00 PM Fellowship, Picnic (bring your own food), & Dance
“This event is an excellent opportunity for connecting with the community. It’s an exercise in the joy of creation, nature and art.” -— Eli Fleetwood, puppet creator and participant
History of the Procession
The Procession of Appalachian Species grew out of a community dialogue about how to best bring giant puppets to Floyd. At its heart, this event is about connecting more deeply with each other through creativity and play — and more deeply with all the incredible creatures that make this region beautiful and resilient. Biodiversity is one of the greatest strengths of Appalachian ecosystems, and the Procession is a joyful reminder of the wild, wondrous community of life everyone is a part of.
“Each species relies on and is relied on by all the others. This dense and intricate web of life needs to be protected and all creatures play a part in its success. We are excited for this year’s event and hope many will be inspired to come out and celebrate biodiversity through this creative opportunity.” — Ian Stabler, Procession Creator and Lead
About Springhouse
Springhouse is an intergenerational learning community where we envision, practice, and share ways of living that contribute to a world where all life thrives. We live this mission by caring for vulnerability, cultivating personhood, building beloved community, learning from the Earth, and loving and serving others. Sustained by the generosity of our community and those who share our vision, participation is accessible to all, and no one is turned away due to financial need. The Procession of Appalachian Species is one of Springhouse’s flagship annual events, bringing together neighbors, artists, naturalists, and families in celebration of the living world.
