2024 Lilac Festival Publication

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TUESDAY, MAY 14

LILAC LEGACY ART SHOW

6:00 pm | Fete | $5 entry

The Spokane Lilac Festival Association presents the eighth Annual Lilac Legacy Art Show. Featuring exhibition of works from 17 local artists and the selection of the 2025 Festival Artist and artwork.

downtown Spokane on Spokane Falls Blvd west of Stevens for the Cruzin’ the Falls Car Show. Vehicle entry is a $20 donation. Registration opens at 9am and closes when full or at 11am. Awards presentation at 4pm.

LILAC CITY MARKETPLACE

11:00 am – 7:00 pm Howard Street at Spokane Falls Blvd

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

ALL CITY

CIVIC & MILITARY LUNCHEON

11:30 am | Centennial Hotel

Presented by Global Credit Union, join us in celebrating our local heroes, who live, work, and serve right here in our Lilac City. Hosted by co-presidents Elisabeth Hooker and Carly Cortright, enjoy a delicious lunch, hear from the 2024 Dare to Dream co-presidents and help us honor those who serve our country and our community!

FRIDAY, MAY 17

QUEEN’S LUNCHEON

11:30 am | Centennial Hotel

Join Queen Madeleine and the 2024 Dare to Dream Lilac Festival Royal Court for a luncheon hosting visiting royalty and regional youth representatives. The event includes inspiring messages, entertainment, and recognition of the Gesa Credit Union Teachers of the Year.

PRESIDENT’S GALA

5:30 pm | Centennial Hotel

Celebrate Spokane at the President’s Gala hosted by 2024 Lilac Festival Co-Presidents Carly Cortright and Elisabeth Hooker. Enjoy entertainment, and hear from 2024 Parade Grand Marshal, Spokane native Anne McClain, followed by dancing with Mojo, the Party Band.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

CRUZIN’ THE FALLS CAR SHOW

9:00 am to 4:00 pm Spokane Falls Blvd, Stevens to Post $20 Day-of vehicle entry

Before the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday May 18, join us in

The Lilac City Marketplace is a chance to support local artisans and find something uniquely Spokane. Located on Howard Street next to the Cruzin’ the Falls Car Show, explore local handmade goods and more on parade day.

EXPO ‘74 ANNIVERSRY

COMMUNITY STAGE & VENDOR VILLAGE

11:00 am - 4:00 pm | Riverfront Park

Experience the Expo ‘74 - 50th Anniversary Community Stage at Riverfront Park’s Rotary Fountain. Enjoy multicultural performances, inspiring talks, and diverse talent. Adjacent to the Vendor Village.

KING COLE DAY PROCLAMATION 12:30 pm | Community Stage

3RD ANNUAL

LILAC FESTIVAL BREWFEST

1:00 to 5:00 pm | Riverfront Park Tickets $35, $40 day-of, VIP Ticket $50 Brewfest is back for a third year and it’s growing! Showcasing over 30 of Spokane’s many award-winning and innovative breweries. Tickets include a commemorative glass and tokens for 5-ounce pours at the participating breweries.

ARMED FORCES

TORCHLIGHT PARADE

7:30 pm | Downtown Spokane Bleacher seating $15

Don’t miss the nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade! City streets close at 4pm taking over 16 square blocks in the heart of downtown to celebrate the Lilac City, Spokane and the 86th Annual “Dare to Dream” Festival. Enjoy the best view of the parade when you purchase a pass for bleacher viewing located at Main Ave and Washington.

CO-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2024 FESTIVAL CO-PRESIDENTS CARLY CORTRIGHT & ELISABETH HOOKER

Welcome to the 86th Spokane Lilac Festival!

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Expo ‘74, a pivotal moment when Spokane opened its doors to the world, we reflect on the innovative themes, celebrations, and lasting impact of that era.

Amidst our reflections, we acknowledge the valuable lessons learned from Expo and draw inspiration for the future.

The audacity of our small city hosting a global event remains a beacon of inspi-

TORCHLIGHT PARADE GRAND MARSHAL

PARADE GRAND MARSHAL

NASA ASTRONAUT COL ANNE MCCLAIN (US ARMY)

Aration, urging us to embrace the theme “Dare to Dream” and pursue ambitious goals. Like the trailblazing leaders of the 1970s, we invite everyone to chart their own course and push the boundaries of possibility.

While we evolve as a festival, our commitment to honoring our military, empowering youth, and celebrating our region’s culture remains steadfast.

Join us in celebrating Spokane, not only in May but year-round, as we immerse ourselves in the diverse communities and traditions that define the Pacific Northwest. Let’s embrace the opportunity to learn from new cultures, participate in fresh

celebrations, and strengthen our bonds to this remarkable region.

To our patrons, sponsors, and supporters, we extend heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering generosity and encouragement. Your support fuels our mission, enabling us to create enduring memories and experienc es that enrich lives and build connections for generations to come.

MAYOR’S WELCOME

nne C. McClain was selected by NASA in 2013. She is a colonel in the U.S. Army. After graduating from Gonzaga Preparatory School in 1997, the Spokane, Washington native earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical/ aeronautical engineering from West Point. A 2002 Marshall Scholar, McClain earned a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Bath in Bath, England and a Master of Science in international relations from the University of Bristol in Bristol, England. She also received a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

McClain is a Master Army Aviator with more than 2,000 flight hours in 20 different aircraft. She is an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior pilot and instructor pilot, and a rated pilot in the C-12 Huron (King Air), UH-60 Blackhawk, and UH-72 Lakota. McClain is the Army NASA Detachment Commander – a unit in Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC).

McClain most recently served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 58 and 59. McClain was lead spacewalker on two spacewalks, totaling 13 hours and 8 minutes on her mission into space. She has spent a total of 204 days in space. She is an Instructor Astronaut for Robotics, EVA, and CAPCOM. In addition, McClain has served in a variety of other jobs, including branch chief and International Space Station Assistant to the Chief within NASA’s Astronaut Office.

As Mayor of Spokane, it is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the 86th annual Spokane Lilac Festival!

This year’s theme is “Dare to Dream,” which highlights the importance of aspiration and vision in our community. This theme is the perfect tie-in to connect the Lilac Festival with this year’s Expo ‘74 anniversary celebration.

Fifty years ago, Spokane dared to dream big as the smallest city to host a World’s Fair. This year, we are dreaming once again as we spend nine weeks celebrating the progress we have made and all that we have to look forward to.

That progress and our future would not be possible without the brave men and women of our military. The Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade is a time to honor these heroes and reflect on their contributions that defend our right to dream.

As you celebrate throughout the festival and during the parade, I hope you not only celebrate the past, but embrace the exciting road ahead.

LISA BROWN MAYOR, CITY OF SPOKANE

Welcome to the 86th Annual Spokane Lilac Festival! I am so excited that you are here to celebrate this amazing city and honor the outstanding men and women who have served our country. It is with great esteem and pride that I welcome everyone to this year’s Lilac Festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.

This parade is a beautiful example of the Spokane Lilac Festival Association’s mission to honor our military, empower our youth, and showcase our region. The parade is a wonderful opportunity to show gratitude to the brave men and women currently serving in the military as well as take time to honor the heroes who have served in the past. Their bravery and dedication are a continual inspiration to everyone.

These past several months I have met countless exceptional people and have

seen just how special our city is. I am so lucky to be a part of it all and the ‘Dare to Dream’ Lilac Court is an incredible reflection of the diversity and excellence of our community. The six incredible young women that join me in the parade, Princesses Kate, Livi, Olivia, Chloe, Kate, and Kwynci, have taught me what true friendship and compassion is, and represent Spokane with grace and kindness. I can’t wait for all the laughter that is yet to come.

From being an exuberant spectator of the grand procession, to having the opportunity to participate on a float, this parade has become a staple in my spring activities. I look forward to seeing everyone tonight and want to express my gratitude to all the sponsors and volunteers that make this parade possible. Without you, we would not be home to the nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade!

A huge shoutout to Lilac Festival Co-Presidents, Liz Hooker and Carly Cortright, for all of their incredible work and endless humor. You two never fail to make me smile!

I am honored and overjoyed to be a part of such a large community that cares for each other, and I cannot wait to show Spokane the power of daring to dream. Thank you, everyone, for your continued support of the 86th Lilac Festival and for making the Annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade a possibility! Let the festivities begin!

QUEEN MADELEINE 2024 SPOKANE LILAC FESTIVAL QUEEN

Left to right: Princess Kate (Mead), Princess Livi (Mt. Spokane), Princess Chloe (West Valley), Queen Madeleine (Lewis & Clark), Princess Olivia (University), Princess Katie (East Valley), Princess Kwynci (Gonzaga Prep)

We’re

Proud to support the 2024 Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.

APPRECIATION FOR OUR ARMED FORCES: SPOKANE’S ENDURING COMMITMENT TO

THOSE WHO SERVE

For nearly a century, the Spokane Lilac Festival has stood as a beacon of patriotism and community pride, paying tribute to the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces. Rooted in tradition and a deep-seated appreciation for military service, the festival’s evolution reflects the enduring bond between the Spokane community and its military members. Originally established as the Lilac Parade, the festival traces its roots back to the 1930s. While the festival’s early years were marked by modest parades and community gatherings, its significance grew exponentially during World War II. As the nation rallied behind the war effort, the Lilac Parade served as a rallying point for Spokane residents, instilling a sense of unity and patriotism in the face of adversity. Though parades were suspended during the war years, the festival continued to support troops by distributing lilacs to soldiers passing through Spokane on troop trains.

In 1947, with the war’s end heralding a new era of peace and prosperity, the festival took on added significance. The Saturday parade was renamed the Armed Forces Parade, in honor of Armed Forces Day, the event symbolized Spokane’s unwavering commitment to honoring military service members and veterans.

Over the years, the festival’s ties to Fairchild Air Force Base have deepened, cementing a partnership built on mutual respect and shared values. As Fairchild AFB emerged as a vital hub for military operations, the Lilac Festival recognized the base’s contributions to the community and the nation. Honoring Fairchild’s personnel and leadership became a cornerstone of festival events, underscoring the strong bond between the base and the Spokane community.

One such testament to this bond is the annual golf tournament held by the Lilac Festival to support the Fairchild Air Force Base Wing Morale Association. Dedicated to fostering camaraderie and supporting morale among base personnel and their families, the association

plays a crucial role in promoting a positive and cohesive environment within the base community.

Today, the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade remains the centerpiece of the Spokane Lilac Festival, drawing thousands of spectators each year to celebrate the city’s rich military heritage. As floats, marching bands, and patriotic displays traverse downtown streets, the festival serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military service members past and present.

In the heart of lilac season, when the air is fragrant with the scent of blossoms and the streets are adorned with purple hues, the Spokane Lilac Festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of patriotism and community that defines this vibrant city.

2024 ALL CITY CIVIC & MILITARY LUNCHEON HONOREES

Presented by Global Credit Union, the Spokane Lilac Festival All City Civic Military Luncheon is a cherished annual event that brings together community members, military personnel, and civic leaders to honor and celebrate their collective contributions.

Hosted as part of the Lilac Festival, this luncheon serves as a platform to recognize the dedication and service of individuals who have made a difference in Spokane and beyond. Attendees enjoy a delightful meal while sharing stories, fostering camaraderie, and paying tribute to the bravery and commitment of those who serve our nation and community.

OFC MICHELE KERNKAMP

2024 SPD OFFICER OF THE YEAR

SGT PATRICK BLOOMER

2024 SVPD DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

SGT ROB SATAKE

2024 SCSO DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

SPOKANE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPRESENTED BY CHIEF JULIE O’BERG

2024 SFD PERSONELL OF THE YEAR

SRA ORLIN LOVING

2024 AIRMAN OF THE YEAR

TSGT CODY HOLLISTER

2024 NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR

MSGT MATHEW OHLE

2024 SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR

CELEBRATING THE LILACS SINCE 1938

CELEBRATING LIVES SINCE 1888

For 86 years, we have gathered during the Lilac Festival to celebrate our community's people, land, and history.

CAPT NICHOLAS BOONSTRA

2024 COMPANY GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

MAJ ROBERT GILBERT

2024 FIELD GRADE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

SRA HANNAH RASH

2024 HONOR GUARDSMAN OF THE YEAR

MSGT STACY SALONISH FIRST SERGEANT OF THE YEAR

SSGT TRAVIS SCOTTI

2024 HONOR GUARD MANAGER OF THE YEAR

LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON

2024 NEAL FOSSEN BASE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS AWARD

SGT KEVIN KELLER

2024 PRESIDENT’S AWARD

For 136 years, we’ve been honored to celebrate the memory and lives of our community’s loved ones.

Thank you, Spokane, for trusting us with the memories of those most important to you.

We are Fairmount Memorial Association. We are a local and community-owned non-profit cemetery association.

We are proud to serve the Inland Northwest through 7 cemeteries and parks, Heritage Funeral Home, and PNW Cremation & Funeral.

2024 SPOKANE LILAC FESTIVAL ARMED FORCES TORCHLIGHT PARADE

Third Saturday in May 7:30pm Downtown

1. Joint Forces Honor Guard

2. Law Enforcement Joint Motor Units

3. University High School Marching Band + Cheer

4. Spokane Lilac Festival Association Banner

5. SLFA Co-Presidents - Elisabeth Hooker and Carly Cortright

6. Spokane Lilac Festival “Dare to Dream” Float

7. Spokane Lilac Festival Royalty Van

8. Spokane Lilac Festival Past Presidents

9. Spokane Limousine

10. Grand Marshal Banner

11. Grand Marshall - NASA Astronaut, US Army Colonel Anne McClain

12. Honorary Grand Marshal Banner

13. Honorary Grand Marshals The King Cole Family

14. Band Sponsor - MarCon Commercial & Residential Renovations

15. Cheney High School Marching Band

16. Pearl Harbor Survivors

17. Spokane Veterans Home

18. Davenport Jr/Sr High School band

19. Honor Point Military & Aerospace Museum

20. Sons of the American Revolution

21. Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Spokane

22. Shadle Park High School

23. Rogers High School AFJROTC

24. The American Legion

25. United States Border Patrol, Spokane Sector

26. Mayor Brown - City of Spokane and her husband, Brian McClatchey

27. Spokane Police Department Person of the Year - Michele Kernkamp

28. Spokane Police Department

29. Prosser High School Mustang Band

30. 92d Air Refueling Wing

31. 336 TRG

32. 141st Air Refueling Wing Air national Guard

33. North Central High School

34. Quadrant Sponsor: NoLi Brewhouse

35. Amazon

36. Ellensburg Rodeo Posse

37. Ellensburg Rodeo Queen

38. SLFA Art Show Winners‘23 Kathy Beaulaurier & ‘24 TBD

40. Inland Northwest Honor Flight

41. Royal Rosarians

42. Colville High School

43. Navy Band Northwest

44. USS Constitution

45. U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard

47. Spokane County Sheriff Office Honor Guard

48. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels

49. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Persons of the Year - Rob Satake Spokane Valley Police Dept Persons of the Year - Patrick Bloomer

50. Lakeside High School Marching Band

51. Honormobile

52. Fleet Reserve Association

53. Valleyfest

54. Pendleton Round-Up Queen and Court

55. Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane

56. 1st Battalion 161st Infantry

57. WA State Fallen Heroes Project

58. Kellogg High School

59. Eljay Oil

60. Divine Corporation

61. Miss Moses Lake Roundup

62. Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo Queen

63. Cheney Rodeo Association

64. Manson Apple Blossom Festival

65. US Navy Reserve Center Spokane

66. Spokane Navy League

67. Jr Lilac Sweepstake Winner

68. Miss Prosser Community Float (Prosser Chamber of Commerce)

69. Commissioner Mary Kuney

70. Mead High School Band

71. Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival

72. Seabee Veterans of America Island 6

73. Highland HS Scottie Marching Band

74. Quadrant Sponsor - No Li - #2

75. Marine Corps League Detachment #586

76. US Coast Guard Auxiliary

77. Miss Sunnyside Float

78. Odessa High School

79. Idaho Central Credit Union

80. Filipino American Northwest Association

81. Ephrata High School Marching Band

82. Spokane County Sheriffs Office Explorer Program

83. Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho

84. Mariner High School

85. Pacific Northwest DeLorean Club

86. Pride Schools

87. American On-Site Service

88. NonStop Local KHQ & SWX

89. Liberty High School

89B. Washington Army National Guard

90. Tekoa Slippery Gulch Float

91. Filipino-American Association of the Inland Empire

92. East Valley High School Marching Band

93. Navy Veteran Marlene Sullivan

94. Mayor Pam Haley, City of Spokane Valley

95. Spokane Valley Police Dept

96. Chelan Mountain Goat Marching Band and Drill Team

97. Penticton Peach Festival

98. Les Schwab Tire Centers

99. John R. Rogers High School

100. Life Flight Network

101. BECU

102. South East Washington Marching Band

103. Vietnamese American Friendship Association of Spokane

104. Sports 4 The Blind

105. Freeman Community Float

106. Freeman School District Marching Band

107. Evergreen Towing

108. Spokane Entertainers Guild

109. Mt. Spokane Wildcat Band and Drill Team

110. Oroville May Festival

111. Rotary

112. The Salvation Army

113. Lewis & Clark High School Band, Cheer, and Drill

114. Teacher of the Year Banner

115. Spokane Lilac Festival Teachers of the Year

116. Spokane Limousine2nd pass

117. Century High School

118. Sons of Norway Tordenskjold Lodge 2-005

119. Greater Spokane, Inc

120. Spokane Lilac Festival “Dare to Dream” float - 2nd pass

122. Reardan Marching Band

123. Beyond The Call oF Duty

124. Civil Air Patrol

125. Ridgeline High School

126. Rosauers Supermarkets

127. Pacific Northwest Ghostbusters

128. Ritzville Festivals Association

129. Lind/Ritzville Cooperative Schools

130. Washington State Apple Blossom Festival

131. Two Men and a Truck

132. Cashmere High School “Bulldog” Marching Band

133. Spokane Transit Authority

134. Central Valley High School Marching Band

135. Washington Civil War Association

136. Spokane Riverkeeper

137. Sunnyside High School Marching Band

138. El Katif Shriners

139. Deer Park Community Float

140. Deer Park and Riverside High School

141. Wellpinit High School Army JROTC

142. University High School Army JROTC

143. VFW Post 10711Spokane Tribe

144. Medical Lake High School Air Force Junior ROTC

145. Medical Lake High School Band and Cheerleaders

146. Connell Community Float/Miss Connell Scholarship Program

147. The Arc of Spokane

148. Miss Spokane Scholarship Organization

149. Ferris High School

150. Gates Security

150B. American Medical Response

151. Spokane Fire Department

Listing as of 5/06/2024 Subject to Change

LILAC FESTIVAL PARADE BLEACHER SEAT TICKETS, PINS, SHIRTS, CAPS AND OTHER COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS CAN BE PURCHASED AT WWW.SPOKANELILACFESTIVAL.ORG OR ON PARADE DAY AT THE FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE TRAILER, LOCATED ON HOWARD STREET.

2024 JUNIOR COURT

The Spokane Lilac Festival’s annual Royal Tea Party at the Historic Davenport Hotel is a beloved tradition. Held in the Hall of Doges and Grand Pennington Ballroom. Guests of all ages can enjoy a high tea, games, crafts, face painting, prizes, and entertainment.

During the event, a raffle drawing for the Junior Royal Court, ages 4 - 9, takes place. The SLFA welcomed seven new members of the Junior Royal Court on April 28, who were greeted by their Queen or Princess Big Sister and received their official sash and tiara. The Junior Court rode on the Royal Wedge with the “Dare to Dream” Royal Court during the Jr. Lilac Parade on May 11. Proceeds from the raffle support SLFA special events.

The 2024 Junior Royalty include: Lucy (with Queen Madeleine), Kira (with Princess Kate), Audrey (with Princess Livi), Nora (with Princess Chloe), Bria (with Princess Olivia), Adaline (with Princess Katie), and Ellie (with Princess Kwynci).

2024 FESTIVAL ARTIST

The Spokane Lilac Festival Juried Art Show began back in 2016 and has steadily become a staple event of Lilac week where local artists can submit their best Lilac art. The winning artwork becomes the following year’s official artwork of the Lilac Festival. The 2024 Festival Artist is Katherine Beaulaurier.

Beaulaurier has been privileged to call Spokane her home for over 30 years. She enjoys and seeks out its unique beauty, spending as much time as possible kayaking, biking, and simply being outdoors. Spokane’s wonderful sense of community is expressed through its civic events such as the Lilac Festival. She took the opportunity to pay homage to their wonderful city by creating “Lilacs at Midnight” to represent it in the Lilac Festival, with lilacs taking center stage, along with the river that defines them and their beautiful night skies.

She has always loved expressing herself in creative and artistic ways, drawn to finding non-traditional uses for traditional mediums. While not a quilter or a seamstress, she began making what could be called fabric mosaics in her search to express herself with fabric. As the process evolved, she found it to be more like “painting” with fabric, with scissors as her paintbrush and fabric as her paint. She is often inspired by the fabric she chooses and things that bring her joy. As the pictures develop, they almost seem to come to life on their own. She is thrilled to share her art with her fellow Spokanites through Lilac Legacy Art.

2024 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

The Lilac Festival is committed to the continued education of our Royal Court and celebrates those who helped shape them into the young women they have and will become. Founded in 2003 by Festival Director Russ Brown, a long-time educator, the Teacher of the Year program was created to celebrate the teachers going the extra mile to ensure bright futures for their students.

Annually, each member of the Royal Court selects a teacher who most influenced them throughout their high school experience. Recipients are presented a plaque and certificate at their school alongside the Festival’s President and are also invited to attend the Queen’s Luncheon during festival week on May 17. GESA Credit Union is the 2024 sponsor of the program.

Additionally, selected teachers will have the opportunity to ride alongside the Royal Court on a KC-135 refueling aircraft as guests of the 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base.

See the honorees riding as VIPs in the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Spokane.

MAEGAN GOMES Lewis & Clark High School

KELLI LOFSTEDT Mead High School

LUKE THOMAS Mt. Spokane High School

DAVID MARLOW West Valley High School

DAVID SMITH University High School

LISSA HUMPHREYS East Valley High School

TARYN LEAGUE Gonzaga Preparatory

Eperfect memento

THE FESTIVAL AND THE FAIR

xpo 74, a landmark event in Spokane’s history, closely associated with Spokane Lilac Festival activities in 1974.

The Lilac Festival was celebrated with a special program at the outdoor amphitheater on the fairgrounds and a host of additional activities that May added vibrancy to the festival lineup. Among these activities was a logging competition, which infused the festivities with excitement through axe throwing, speed climbing, and horizontal speed chop events, captivating audiences and participants alike.

The Torchlight Parade, an annual highlight, boasted Grand Marshals Ron Pinkerton and Kevin Tigh, stars of the renowned NBC television series “Emergency.” Meanwhile, the Armed Forces Parade was led by General Robert E. Cushman, Jr., USMC, Commandant, adding prestige and honor to the event.

A standout feature of the festival was the royal float, designed as an interpretation of Expo ‘74’s iconic Mobis Strip logo. This emblem not only symbolized continuity and community connection but also served as a poignant reminder of the Lilac Festival’s enduring presence throughout the years, anchoring it firmly in Spokane’s cultural landscape.

1974 held particular significance for the Lilac Royal Court, among them Nancy Cole, who represented Holy Names Academy. Immersed in the ceremonial events of Expo, Cole remembers her front-row seat watching her father, King Cole’s, speeches, during the court’s frequent appearances throughout the summer. This formative experience left an indelible mark on Cole, shaping her future endeavors.

In 2009, driven by her passion for the Lilac Festival and its rich legacy, Nancy joined the Spokane Lilac Festival Association as Director. Her dedication and commitment eventually led her to assume the role of Festival President in 2018, coinciding with the festival’s 80th anniversary. The theme, “Swing into Spokane,” encapsulated the spirit of celebration and renewal, while the royal float, meticulously crafted as a near replica of the Expo ‘74 float she once graced as a princess, served as a poignant tribute to her journey and the festival’s enduring legacy.

2024 HONORARY GRAND MARSHALS

The Spokane Lilac Festival Association is proud to welcome the children of King Cole as the 2024 Armed Forces Torchlight Parade Honorary Grand Marshals: Bruce Cole; Ellen Cole; Joan Cole-Duffel; Mary Cole; Nancy Cole; Marty Cole; Lisa Cole Taylor; and John Cole.

1974 Royal Float

1974 Lilac Princess, Nancy Cole

1974 Lilac Queen Kelly Owens (right) and country representatives

FOUNDED IN FLOWERS: HOW THE ASSOCIATED GARDEN CLUBS

CULTIVATED THE SPOKANE LILAC FESTIVAL

The first appearance of a lilac bush in Spokane occurred in 1906 when J. J. Browne, an early builder in the area, planted two lilac bushes in Brownes Addition. By the early 1930s, efforts were made to encourage the local garden club to plant lilac bushes throughout the city. This initiative led to the planting of 30 lilacs in Coeur d’Alene Park and 144 in Manito Park on Spokane’s Southside by 1938.

According to historical records, Lila Sayre, inspired by the Portland Rose Festival, was the first to propose a spring Lilac Festival. Under the guidance of the Associated Garden Clubs and the Spokane Floral Association, a one-day event was organized in 1938. The inaugural Lilac Festival featured a flower show showcasing French, Persian, and Chinese varieties of lilacs, a small parade with a float designed by Walt Peters, and the distribution of lilac shoots to the community. Despite heavy showers in May, the festival was well-received, fostering enthusiasm among the sponsoring groups.

In subsequent years, the festival expanded with new events such as a tea and card party. However, the outbreak of World War II disrupted festivities, leading to the cancellation of festivals from 1942 to 1945. With the war’s end in 1945, plans for a Lilac Festival Association were initiated, culminating in the formation of the Spokane Lilac Festival Association in June 1946.

The 1947 Spokane Lilac Festival featured a lavish display of over 600 lilac blooms in the Marie Antoinette Room of the Davenport Hotel, with prizes awarded to participants with the best collections of French lilacs. By 1949, the festival adopted the phrase “Spokane, The Lilac City” and attracted over 75,000 attendees. The festival also saw the purchase and planting of 115 lilac bushes in various parks across Spokane.

Throughout the years, the Lilac Festival aimed to promote Spokane as the City of Lilacs, attract national and regional attention, provide opportunities for residents to showcase their talents, and honor the armed forces.

Today, lilacs bloom in various varieties and colors across Spokane from mid-April to late May, continuing the legacy of the Associated Garden Club.

We are proud to support the Spokane Lilac Festival and their mission to honor our military, empower our youth and showcase the Spokane region.

BECU is a community credit union that believes in supporting each other. With three locations in Spokane, we’re here when you need us.

1938: A chassis covered in lilacs parades through downtown Spokane

Lilac Garden at Manito Park

Friday, August 16th, 2024

Benefiting the Wing Morale Fund at Fairchild Air Force Base

Wandermere Golf Course

13700 N Wandermere Rd Spokane, WA 99208

6:30am: check-in

7:30am: shotgun start

Limited to 144 golfers

register by August 2, 2024

Prizes:

•Longest Drive Men

•Longest Drive Women

•Closest to the Pin Men

•Closest to the Pin Women

•Team prizes

Fees include:

Cart Rental, Range & Green Fees, and PostTournament Lunch

Registration

$75 | enlisted, active & retired military

$90 | civilian

Register at: www.spokanelilacfestival. ejoinme.org/golf2024

Sponsorship opportunities available

Since 1938 the Spokane Lilac Festival’s legendary success has come from the support of generous sponsors, contributors and volunteers. The Festival’s 2024 major sponsors are featured in ads throughout this publication. Listed below are the individuals, businesses and organizations who have contributed to the Festival in dollars and/or services. The Lilac Festival Directors encourage you to extend your appreciation to them for their vital role in our city’s hallmark event, the Spokane Lilac Festival.

GOLD BECU

Fairmount Memorial Association

SILVER

Avista

David & Christina Lynch

The Spokesman-Review

BRONZE

Amazon

American OnSite

Davenport Hotels

Hawkinson Photography

Spokane Tribe of Indians

Vandervert Hospitality

PARTNER

AgWest Farm Credit Event Rents

Idaho Central Credit Union

MARCON Renovation

Spokane International Airports

TDS Fiber

TestComm, LLC

YaYa Brewing

SUPPORTER

Colvico, Inc.

Hampton Inn Spokane Airport

Hilton Garden Inn Spokane Airport

Northwest Golf Carts

Paine-Hamblen

Quality Inn Oakwood

Rockwood Retirement Community

EVENT & PROGRAM SPONSORS

Global CU

MarCon Renovations

No-Li Brewhouse

MEDIA

NonStop Local KHQ

ROYAL SCHOLARSHIP

SPONSORS

Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane Avista

Brian & Jill Newberry

Fairmount Memorial Assoc.

Jason Armstrong

Joan Petow

Mike & Cecelia Stephens

Patt Hooker

Rotary Community Services

Roy & Linda Hooten

Spokane Kiwanis Charities

SLFA Past Presidents

Wheatland Bank

ROYALTY SPONSORS

Audrey’s Boutique

Believe Bride

GESA Credit Union

Pounder’s Jewelry Listing

SCAN CODE TO SUPPORT THE SPOKANE LILAC FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION

Sponsored By

509-535-4554