The Spokane Lilac Festival Association has been honoring the Spokane neighborhood since 1938. The nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade takes place in downtown Spokane during the annual week-long celebration, which culminates in the city’s famous lilacs and local events that turn the town purple. The Spokane Lilac Festival is dedicated to local youth, the nation’s military by working with the Fairchild Airforce Base, and fostering community spirit in the Pacific Northwest, in keeping with their purpose of honoring our troops, empowering our youth, and promoting our region.
Over 150,000 people, including those marching, congregate in Spokane for this cherished event on an annual basis. The annual celebrations usually start on the second Saturday in May and end on the third Saturday, when the lilacs are in full bloom, but there are activities and events building up to the festival even before this week. We anticipate the Lilac Parade in November of 2021.
Join us on Saturday, May 21, 2022, 7:45pm in Downtown Spokane for the 84th Annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.
We can’t wait to celebrate our stunning Lilac City and the incredible people who call it home with you once more on the streets of downtown Spokane. The Spokane Lilac Festival Association needs your assistance to keep the lilac tradition alive for years to come and to remain a part of your life and the traditions of your family. Consider making a donation to the SLFA so we may work toward achieving our mission statement of “Honor Our Military, Empower Our Youth, and Showcase Our Region” after two years without a festival and parade.
When does the Spokane torchlight procession begin?
This weekend, the Lilac Festival is coming back to downtown Spokane after a two-year absence.
The festival’s organizers hope to “respect the troops, empower our kids, and highlight our region” this year as they celebrate under the theme of “Our Town.”
President of the 2022 Lilac Festival Alan Hart chose the theme to celebrate the neighborhood after two years of pandemic shutdowns. Every event tries to reunite the neighborhood.
“Hart remarked, “I’ve been looking forward to that.” ” Although the procession is a tiny bit shorter than in previous years, it will still last for two and a half hours. It’s still enormous as is.
What to expect
The Lilac Festival begins with a float viewing on Saturday morning, giving attendees a chance to catch a glimpse of the 2022 Our Town floats and roughly 20 visiting floats. At 8:00 a.m., staging will start underneath the expressway between Fourth Avenue and Jefferson Street.
At 10:30 a.m., members of the Royal Rosarians, who represent the Portland Rose Festival, will go to Manito Park’s rose gardens and plant a rose in Hart’s memory. Hart retired to Spokane with his wife Tera, a veteran and graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, after serving three tours with the 92nd Maintenance Group at Fairchild Air Force Base. Tera is a teacher at Medical Lake High School. The Harts are a military family, with one son serving in the Navy and another scheduled to march in the Torchlight Parade with the color guard. Katherine Hart, the Harts’ daughter, will also march in the parade with them.
The festival’s sponsor, BECU, will have a booth at the vendor fair on Howard Street between Spokane Falls Boulevard and Main Avenue beginning at 1 o’clock. BECU will talk about the Veteran Employee Resource Group’s (VERG) dedication to the military.
At 10 a.m., the Cruizin’ the Falls Car Show will start at the intersection of Wall Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard. The winners of the awards will be revealed at 4:30.
Royalty for the day
Princesses Velerie Dancel of Medical Lake High School, Megan Tallman of The Oaks Classical Christian Academy, Taryn Frerichs of Ferris High School, Ryan Ham of Gonzaga Preparatory School, Shelby Zehm of University High School, Ella Hilliard of Cheney High School, and festival queen Janna Huber of Mead High School make up the royal court for the 2022 Lilac Festival. In addition to co-captaining the tennis team, Huber participates in Link Crew, marching band, pep band, wind ensemble, Young Life, and Student Council. In the fall, she intends to enroll at Washington State University or Eastern Washington University.
Col. John Marshall Groves is the grand marshal for this year. Groves, who is now retired, had more than 26 years in the Air Force, 14 of which were spent in the special operations command, flying combat missions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, and Pakistan. Groves received a Silver Star Medal in 2004 for his deeds in Fallujah, Iraq.
Groves is no stranger to Spokane; from 2016 to 2018, he oversaw the training of more than 32,000 troops, sailors, and airmen at Fairchild Air Force Base’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape school.
And last, the honorary grand parade marshal for 2022 will be Justice Debra Stephens. Stephens, a native of Spokane, attended Gonzaga University School of Law as a Thomas More Scholar after graduating from West Valley High School.
Stephens was appointed as a judge for the Washington Court of Appeals’ Division Three by the then-Gov. Christine Gregoire. Stephens became the first member of Division Three of the Washington Court of Appeals and the first woman from Eastern Washington to hold the position when she was later chosen as a justice to the Washington state Supreme Court. She has since served three terms on the Supreme Court.
Spokane is known as the Lilac City for a reason.
The Lilac Garden is one of the most significant lilac gardens in the West since it has well over 100 identified cultivars from 23 different species. The magnificent double pink lilac Syringa Spokane is presently housed in the garden that was expanded by the Spokane Lilac Society in 2003 for Manito Park.
About mid-1700s, the common purple lilac made its first appearance in the United States. In Spokane, a lilac bush was first noted in 1906. J. J. Browne, a pioneering builder in Spokane, planted two lilac shrubs at W. 2226 Second Avenue in Browne’s Addition. 128 identified lilac cultivars were purchased by John Duncan in 1912 from Rochester, New York. The formal Lilac Garden at Manito Park officially began with this. Today, the Lilac Garden is one of the most significant lilac gardens in the West, with well over 100 identified cultivars from 23 different species.
The magnificent double pink lilac Syringa Spokane is presently housed in the garden that was expanded by the Spokane Lilac Society in 2003 for Manito Park. Early in the 1930s, when the neighborhood garden club was pushed by civic authorities to plant lilac shrubs all throughout the City, the concept of promoting Spokane as “The Lilac City” emerged. In Manito Park, there were 144 by 1938. Since 1938, the Spokane Lilac Festival has marked the start of spring.
How many days do lilacs bloom for?
Did you know that the National Gardening Bureau has designated 2022 as the “Year of the Lilac”? They have a sweet, eerie aroma and are among the easiest shrubs for your landscaping to maintain that bloom in the spring. Find out how to plant, nurture, and prune your lilacs.
About Lilacs
Syringa vulgaris, or common lilac, is prized for its tenacity, dependability, and scent. Lilacs are so hardy that they can live for more than 100 years and frequently outlive the houses they were planted near.
This tiny, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub (or tree) has approximately ten canes and blooms at eye level. The height of a common lilac can range from 8 to 12 feet, depending on the cultivar. The aromatic flowers attract butterflies and make good cuttings.
There are lilac types that come in white, cream, and even pink and yellow, though the blooms are typically lilac/purple in hue (ranging from very pale to extremely dark). Flowers can be solitary or double in number.
Lilacs bloom in northern states from mid- to late spring for around two weeks. However, there are lilac varieties for early, mid, and late seasons that, when cultivated together, guarantee a consistent bloom for at least six weeks.
Lilacs do best in soil that is fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, and neutral to alkaline (at a pH near 7.0). Add compost to your soil to improve it if it is in bad condition. (Learn more about adding amendments to the soil and getting it ready for planting.) Lilacs don’t enjoy having their feet wet and won’t blossom if they are kept too moist, so make sure the planting area drains well.
Lilacs should be planted in full sun, which is defined as having at least six hours of sunlight each day, for the finest blooms.
How to Plant Lilacs
- If you’re fortunate, a friend may offer you a sucker, or offshoot, of the plant’s root system. The sucker will first appear pitiful, but all you need to do is dig a hole, fill it with soil, and then insert the sucker. water next, and then wait. You’ll be rewarded with enormous, fragrant blossoms in 4 or 5 years.
- Lilacs purchased from nurseries can also be planted easily. If the plant was cultivated in a container, spread its roots out as you plant it; if it was balled or burlapped, gently remove the covering and any rope before doing so. Set the plant 2 to 3 inches deeper than it was while it was growing in the nursery and cover the roots with topsoil. in water Then add more topsoil to the hole to finish it.
- Depending on the kind, place multiple lilac bushes 5 to 15 feet apart.
- Apply a layer of compost under the plant each spring, followed by a layer of mulch to keep moisture in and weeds under control.
- If the weekly rainfall is less than 1 inch, water during the summer.
- If lilacs receive too much fertilizer, they won’t bloom. In the late winter, they can manage a few 10-10-10, but no more.
- Spread some lime and thoroughly composted manure around the base of your lilac bush once it has finished blooming. Remove suckers while you form the shrub by trimming it.
Pruning Lilacs
- Since lilacs blossom on old wood, it’s important to prune in the spring immediately following their bloom. You risk removing the wood if you prune later in the summer. A word of advice: It’s time to prune if your lilac flower clusters are getting smaller!
- After bloom each year, cut away any dead wood. Remove the oldest canes by pruning (down to the ground). Take out the tiny suckers. Reduce weak branches until a robust shoot remains. Reduce tall canes to eye level.
- Remove one-third of the oldest canes (down to the ground) in year one, half of the remaining old wood in year two, and the remainder in year three if your lilac is very old and in poor condition. Cutting the entire plant back to a height of approximately 6 or 8 inches is another option for elderly lilacs. Although it sounds dramatic, lilacs are remarkably resilient. This option’s drawback is that it takes some time for the hair to grow back. The lilac will grow back bursting with blooms, so there will be less work and more reward.
- It is important to understand that extreme trimming causes bloom loss for one to three years. For these reasons, a smart pruning program gives the bushes yearly attention in an effort to avoid making dramatic and severe cuts.
The Syringa vulgaris kind of lilacs is the most widely grown and fragrant:
- Try the double magneta variety “Charles Joly” for an early bloom.
- Lilacs in the middle of the season include “Monge,” a deep reddish purple, and “Firmament,” a delicate blue.
- Miss Canada, a reddish pink, and Donald Wyman, a solitary purple, are two late-season beauties.
Syringa x hyacinthiflora, an early-flowering lilac cultivar, opens 7 to 19 days before those of the common lilac. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to its fragrant blossoms.
The cutleaf lilac, a fragrant pale lavender, is one of the common lilacs that may flourish as far south as Zone 9. Common lilacs appreciate cold weather. The beautiful shrub Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ has light lilac-blue flowers that eventually become white.
There are tiny kinds for gardeners who simply don’t have the space for the conventional larger lilacs, particularly those in urban settings. Even in a container on your balcony or patio, they will grow.
- ‘Baby Kim’ has a lovely rounded shape, only grows 2 to 3 feet high (and 3 feet wide), and has purple flowers that draw butterflies. Hardiness from Zones 3 to 8 extended.
- Compact lilac ‘Little Lady’ (Syringa x) has dark pink buds that open to lilac-pink flowers and grows to be 4 to 5 feet tall and wide at maturity. Zones 2 to 7 are tough.
- Syringa vulgaris cultivars “New Age Lavender” and “New Age White” were developed for mildew resistance and are quite compact, growing from 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to their fragrant blossoms. Zone 4 hardy.
Highland Park has lilacs blooming right now.
Rochester, New York (WROC)
Given the extreme temperature swings we’ve witnessed over the past month, it’s important to evaluate how the lilacs are now shaping up for the forthcoming festival. The annual Lilac Festival in Rochester is just over three weeks away.
Highland Park progressively covers itself in lovely lilac blossoms between the months of April and June, with the usual peak bloom taking place in mid-May.
There is a greater likelihood that the lilacs will be in bloom on one of those weekends because the Lilac Festival will last three full weekends this year rather than just two.
The Lilacs are in exceptionally good form, according to Mark Quinn, Superintendent of Horticulture for Monroe County Parks, because of the recent spate of warm weather.
The Rochester Lilac Festival lasts how long?
The largest free festival of its sort in North America is the Rochester Lilac Festival. Each year, more than 500,000 people attend the festival to enjoy the over 500 different kinds of lilacs, Highland Park’s breathtaking scenery, live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and family-friendly activities. This May 6-8, 12-15, and 19-22, 2022, the Rochester Lilac Festival will feature a number of events that you won’t want to miss.
One of the most memorable days of the Rochester Lilac Festival is parade day, which features more than 2,500 participants, 20 marching bands, dancers, costumed characters, and the well-known Damascus tiny cars.
The Big Sing – May 7
Visitors to the Rochester Lilac Festival can take in the Big Sing, a performance by 200 gospel singers from all across Monroe County, immediately after the Lilac Parade. The Big Sing, which honors the bicentennial of Monroe County, will bring together singers from all over the county to perform on the festival’s main stage. The culmination of the effort will be a stirring spiritual procession called the Lilac Parade with a Purpose. To commemorate Monroe County’s rich past and bright future, attendees of all ages and religious affiliations are invited. Wardell Lewis will conduct the 200-person choir, which will include singers from several different churches in Monroe County.
Art In The Park – May 7-8
On May 7 and 8, Art in the Park is held along Reservoir Avenue, a shady route close to the festival’s main location and the lilac gardens. Spend Mother’s Day weekend shopping with more than 100 makers, designers, and artisans to find one-of-a-kind items in a range of media, including ceramics, drawings, graphics, fiber, glass, jewelry, sculpture, wood, and mixed media, as well as specialized packaged foods and personal care items. Don’t forget to purchase authorized festival memorabilia, such as the official Rochester Lilac Festival Poster for 2022!
Family Fun
The Rochester Lilac Festival is a fun-filled family event that welcomes guests of all ages. Every year, the Kids’ Zone is a particular family favorite. There are numerous kid-friendly activities available every day of the event, including a zipline, bounce castles, rides, midway games, and more!
Festival Food
At the Lilac Festival, there are several places to locate a wide selection of delicious festival dishes, as well as additional snack sellers scattered around the event. The option to sample regional specialties like Abbott’s Frozen Custard and, of course, Nick Tahou Garbage Plates is one that tourists won’t want to miss. Food trucks in Rochester provide intriguing new flavor combinations. The Japanese and Latin delicacies of Stingray Sushi Fusion and the freshly cooked fries topped with cheese curds and gravy from Le Petit Poutine were among the previous vendors. Don’t forget to sample festival favorites like Candy Apples, CinnaRoasted Almonds, Cotton Candy, Deep Fried Candy Bars & Oreos, Fried Dough, Funnel Cakes, Kettle Korn, and Soft Pretzels.
Garden Battles – May 14
This frantic humanitarian competition puts local media celebrities’ gardening prowess to the test and takes its cues from popular reality shows like Chopped and Iron Chef. iHeart Media’s Rizzo and Jeff, Amal Elhelw, Ally Peters, Dan Schrack, Mark McLean, Michael Gouldrick, and Jim Aroune are among the Rochester residents competing in teams to design lovely gardenscapes with the assistance of a master gardener. Voting will take place to determine the top garden. The winner of first place will earn $1,000 for their preferred local charity.
Wine Tasting Expo- May 7
The Rochester Lilac Festival’s Wine Tasting Expo will be back in full force in 2022! Prepare to enjoy this customary tasting event created for fans of specialty releases, artisanal wines, and regional wines. Prepare to ring in spring the greatest way possible—with wine!
Craft Beer Expo- May 21
The Lilac Festival Craft Beer Expo will be even bigger and better in 2022 than it was last year! The expo’s area will be bigger this year, and it will also include lawn activities, a special award for the Lilac Craft Beer Expo, specialized food vendors, and MORE! Don’t miss what is expected to be the finest Lilac Craft Beer Expo yet—grab a friend—or five!
Lilacs & Gardens
Highland Park near Rochester, New York, has lilacs in more than 500 different types. Each one smells amazing and has a distinct color and appearance. There is a beautiful scent drifting around the park. The Lilac Festival is a popular location for Instagram images, so bring your camera if you want to take some amazing close-up shots of these stunning flowers. Visitors will also enjoy tulips, the pansy bed, and the Lamberton Conservatory, which has plants from all over the world, in addition to lilacs.
Live Music
Numerous free concerts are offered throughout the 10-day Rochester Lilac Festival. There is guaranteed to be entertainment for all ages for visitors. The Coupe De’ Villes, The Sideways, Driftwood, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Root Shock, Blue Sky Brothers, Low Cut Connie, Seven Wonders, Workingman’s Dead, Dirty Blanket, Zac Brown Tribute Band, Uprooted Band with Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root, and Big Eyed Phish are just a few of the notable acts playing this year’s festival.
Race Day – May 22
Every spring, the annual Lilac Run—a fixture of the Lilac Festival—draws more than 3,000 runners from the area to Highland Park. The Dunkin’ Donuts Dasha is a fun half-mile run down Highland Avenue where participants can enjoy MunchkinsTM before sprinting back to the starting line. A neighborhood charity will receive some of the earnings. In order to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential, youth living in poverty need the crucial support, consistency, and accountability that Champion Academy offers.