The Welcome the Whales parade made a triumphant return to the downtown streets of Langley after a two-year hiatus induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a small event in 2004 has since morphed into a large, joyous celebration. The free-form parade marched down Second and First streets before ending in Seawall Park for some whale-watching. The whales did not show up this year to join in on the fun.

According to Howard Garrett, co-founder of the Orca Network, the whales have never shown up to a parade before.

This year’s parade was followed by an educational presentation led by Sue Moore, an affiliate professor for the Center for Ecosystem Sentinels at the University of Washington who shared her gray whale wisdom.

Mermaids, sharks, dolphins, shrimp and many other underwater creatures took to the streets during the Welcome the Whales Parade in Langley this past Saturday. This sea star is an off-island visitor recruited by Susan Berta, co-founder of the Orca Network, to wear the zany costume.

Some participants played music as they walked in the parade.

Jake Stewart donned a cowboy shrimp costume at the parade. He was accompanied by his wife, Aja, who dressed as a mermaid and his two daughters River and Rainey, who dressed as a mermaid and a dolphin.

A plethora of instruments, including several drums, were pounded during the parade.