The threat of rain could not stop the 39th Annual Wake Up the Earth Parade and Festival Saturday, May 13. After the festival was postponed for a week due to inclement weather, Jamaica Plain came out in force to the Southwest Corridor near the Stony Brook MBTA station to enjoy theater, speeches, dancing, food, music and more.
The spirit of the original Wake Up the Earth Festival from 1979 still lives on. Back then, a group of neighbors celebrated the defeat of a plan to route Interstate 95 right through JP. Much of today's Wake Up the Earth festivities are dedicated to supporting eco-friendly policies and equality for all. Some photos from this year's action are below.
Dance troupes, musicians of many genres and more performed on the the main stage at the 39th Annual Wake Up the Earth Festival May 13, 2017.
MetaMovements danced and encouraged others to dance by the Stonybrook MBTA station.
Yogis offered toddler yoga in the Southwest Corridor. Parents helped the kids do downward dog and other yoga positions.
The Popular Theatre stage included performances by the very popular JP Honk Band (in background) and others.
Kids enjoyed the cardboard downhill slide area!
The Jamaica Plain Forum Speaker Stage provided a spot for people to voice their opinions on all types of topics.
The speaker stage drew a crowd for much of the afternoon
The Wake Up the Earth Festival features many nonprofits fighting for progressive causes, or basic ones like the importance of water.
Many progressive causes were touted by people young and old.
Politicians, including City Council President Michelle Wu and state Rep. Liz Malia, D-Jamaica Plain, attended the Wake Up the Earth Festival.