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Lilac Festival Looks Back on History, Honors Uniformed Officials

Paige Browning
/
Spokane Public Radio

It’s that time of year in Spokane when lilacs are in bloom, nights are above freezing, and the community is gearing up for an annual parade. The Lilac Festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade happen this Saturday.

Each year roughly 125,000-150,000 people line the streets and parking lots of downtown Spokane for the parade, said to be the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the country. Lilac Festival President Michael Cressey says this year the organizers will put Spokane’s history on display.

Cressey: “Our theme this year is a festival to remember. We are looking back at the history of Spokane, and at the same time remembering the dedication and service provided to us by not only our armed forces, but also our first responders.”

Friday night are the lilac festival Queen’s dinner and President’s dinner, and Saturday the parade starts at7:45 pm. Of course, if you want a seat or even a place to stand, you may need to arrive a few hours early. The route runs from Spokane Falls Boulevard to First Avenue, between Post and Washington.

Copyright 2015 Spokane Public Radio

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