Update: Jamaica Plain's 39th Annual Wake Up the Earth Parade and Festival, originally scheduled for May 6, will instead take place Saturday, May 13.
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Let's Wake Up the Earth! The 39th annual festival and parade, which features live music, games, kids activities, theater performances, delicious food, local nonprofit organizations and a whole lot more, is now set for this Saturday, May 13.
Richard Heath
The Wake Up The Earth Parade (Egleston Square branch) makes its way to the festival.
The festival features four stages: music and dance performances, popular theater, the youth stage and storytelling for all ages. And if that's not enough there are more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, non-profit organizations and food vendors.
The Wake Up the Earth Festival has a fascinating creation story. It began in 1979 when a group of local neighbors and activists came together to stop the Interstate 95 expansion into Jamaica Plain -- and won their fight! Thus the festival is "a celebration of what can be accomplished when people of all traditions, cultures, ages, and beliefs come together to make a difference," according to Spontaneous Celebrations' website.
Richard Heath
The Wake Up the Earth Parade (Egleston Square branch) makes its way to the festival.
This year two community parades will merge into one to begin the festival. Everyone is welcome to join the parade with several popular local bands, including Honk, an Afro Brazil band and marching bands.
Parades will assemble at the Curtis Hall Community Center (20 South St.) in Jamaica Plain at 10:30 am, and at the Egleston YMCA (3134 Washington St.) at 11 a.m. There is no charge to join the parade -- just bring yourself, dress up and have fun! Email wakeuptheearthparade@gmail.com if you have questions.
Richard Heath
A scene from Wake Up the Earth Festival.