4/26: Earth Day in Floyd
FLOYD, VA — On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, join Springhouse and Partnership for Floyd at Warren G. Lineberry Park (250 S Locust St, Floyd, VA 24091) for a full day of Earth Day celebrations from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring the Procession of Appalachian Species giant puppet and costume parade from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. The park will be filled with Nature organizations providing workshops, local non-profits sharing volunteer opportunities, crafts for all ages, live music, gardening info, sign up to be a Master Naturalist or Master Gardener and more!
The Procession of Appalachian Species is a joyful and family-friendly event that celebrates the extraordinary biodiversity of the Appalachian region through the creative magic of giant puppets, music, and community participation. Community members are invited to join the parade by building their own puppets or costumes, parading with existing puppets, or making music in the parade. Now in its third year, the Procession of Appalachian Species has become a beloved local tradition that brings awareness and reverence to the many wild creatures that call this land home.
“The Procession of Appalachian Species is a beautiful event that brings our community together with joy and creativity,” says organizer and Springhouse staff member, Ian Stabler. “All of the puppets are amazing, and I think it is a lovely way to bring our awareness to the creatures that make our region so special.”
This year, the event will feature a special collaboration with award-winning puppeteer and storyteller Adam Booth, the 2022 West Virginia Folk Artist of the Year. Adam blends mountain folklore, music, and contemporary Appalachian culture to craft original, forward-thinking stories. He will be creating an interactive storytelling experience that will unfold throughout the parade, inviting everyone to become a part of the narrative.
Kathleen Armstrong, one of the event organizers, shares, “POAS (Procession of Appalachian Species) is an annual happening that brings together our community through the creative practice of art and storytelling. It is an exploration of intentional observation and deep learning that manifests through puppetry. The procession gives us a chance to celebrate the diversity of our region and explore our shared nature as neighbors, makers, participants, and observers.”
Whether you come to march, drum, dance, spectate, or simply be present, all are welcome at this celebration of nature, creativity, and connection. As past attendee Rachel Troyer reflects, “This event brings together people of all ages to celebrate and play. It is a joyful experience to be surrounded by people dressed in their artwork and craftiness. We are remembering that community is what brings richness to our lives—not just the human community but also the community of wild plants and animals in this beautiful land.”
For questions, contact Ian Stabler via email at ian@springhouse.org. To learn more about the event visit https://springhouse.org/event/procession-of-appalachian-species-earth-day-event/.
