BELFAST - They came bearing branches adorned with paper flowers, dressed as puffins, polar bears, bees and humans of all stripes. Residents and visiting activists on Tuesday staged a festive parade on the waterfront to mark Earth Day 2014. 

After a workshop at the Belfast Boathouse, parade participants marched through town along the Harbor Walk promenade. At Marshall Wharf, they were greeted by the newly formed Belfast Street Band, making its first appearance. After listening to lively versions of “Tequila” and “Thrift Shop,” the parade moved on, bound for the Armistice Footbridge.