PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2023 Festival President

SAM

SNOW

Greetings and welcome to the 85th Spokane Lilac Festival! We are thrilled to announce that the 2023 festival has re-opened and returned in full force. Our community was able to safely gather once again and participate in our usual beloved events, as well as indulge in exciting new activities.

As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate building on this momentum “Onward” and creating an even better experience for festival-goers in years to come. We could not have achieved this without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers and partners, whose commitment and contri-

Grand Marshal

Parade Grand Marshal

REAR ADMIRAL DOUGLAS ASBJORNSEN US NAVY, RETIRED butions have made this year’s event possible.

We are delighted to bring back the complete festival to Spokane this year, offering a diverse range of events that we hope will satisfy your craving for entertainment and fun. We have curated a mix of classic favorites and fresh additions to the lineup, guaranteed to keep you entertained throughout the festivities.

Our community has always played a critical role in the success of the Lilac Festival. We are proud to continue our tradition of honoring our military, inspiring and empowering the youth, and showcasing the unique culture and traditions of our region. As always, we invite you to join us in this celebration of Spokane and the vibrant communities that make up the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our patrons, sponsors, and supporters for your unwavering generos ity and encourage ment. We hope to see you at our upcoming Lilac events, which we are confident will be filled with cherished mem ories and expe riences that will last a lifetime.

MAYOR’S WELCOME I

Rear Adm. Asbjornsen, a Seattle native, graduated from Western Washington University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He joined the Navy after four years of teaching high school, and received his commission in October 1982. As a navigator/ communicator and tactical coordinator on the P-3 Orion aircraft, he completed deployments to Bermuda and Keflavik, Iceland, and multiple detachments throughout Europe and the Caribbean while serving in Patrol Squadron (VP) 11 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Brunswick, Maine.

After serving as assistant professor of Naval Science at the University of Idaho/Washington State University, Asbjornsen transitioned to the Navy Reserve in October 1989 and affiliated with VP-69 at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. Over the course of 12 years with the squadron, he held multiple billets including commanding officer from 1999 to 2001.

Asbjornsen was promoted to his present rank, Feb. 2, 2010. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

In his civilian career, Asbjornsen has been a public school administrator for 21 years including serving as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He last served as superintendent of the Reardan-Edwall School District near Spokane, Washington.

am excited to extend a warm welcome to all guests and participants in the 85th Lilac Festival. The event brings together community and visitors in celebration of Spokane in support of our military members and families.

This year’s Lilac Festival is all about community – welcoming families and guests to enjoy an outstanding line-up of activities and events all week long. As we celebrate today’s heroes and empower tomorrow’s leaders, we’re showcasing what makes us so special. Whether it is our beautiful parks, historic neighborhoods, spectacular views of the Spokane River, or our award-winning food and culture scene, there is something for everyone in our community. One of Spokane’s most treasured traditions is the annual Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. This is our opportunity to honor our region’s Veterans and active members of the Armed Forces, while also celebrating our talented youth.

Enjoy this wonderful parade and week of events and thank you for supporting our community and its traditions.

Welcome to the 85th Annual Spokane Lilac Festival! I am honored you could join us for the festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. Spokane is such an incredible community to be a part of and this wonderful parade helps highlight our beautiful hometown. The Lilac Festival Association has worked year after year to honor our military, empower our youth and showcase our region, and you being here today helps us continue that mission.

I am a military child myself, so this parade holds a special place in my heart. I was raised on Fairchild AFB and have two wonderful parents who both served 20+ years in the United States Air Force. When crowned Lilac Queen I wanted to work towards really supporting our local military. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor not only our fallen heroes but also all those that are currently still serving our country.

The Lilac Festival is such a wonderful organization that is truly working to make Spokane better every day. These past months have given me so many opportunities to take part in community service and meet new people from all corners of the city. I truly can see how Lilac brings this community together, today really reflects the close-knit community here within Spokane.

I want to say thank you to our sponsors and volunteers. Without you this parade and all of our Lilac festivities would not be possible. I would also like to recognize the 6 lovely girls that are with me today. Princesses Lori, Maddie, Kate, Mercy, Aidyn, and Kaitlyn: I could not ask for a better team and I am blessed to be able to spend this next year with you. I will never forget the friendship we have made, and I am so excited to see where we all end up.

Thank you for supporting the Lilac Festival and attending the 85th Annual Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. I hope you have an incredible time and truly see the magic that lies within the streets of Spokane!

Spokane County Sheriff Deputy Of The Year

Deputy David Bruner

Deputy David Bruner has been a law enforcement officer for 12 years. He started his law enforcement career with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 and worked there for seven years, while also serving in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Police Officer. In 2018, Deputy Bruner came to work for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Bruner is professional and takes pride in serving the Spokane community. He has worked hard at keeping our community safe by working as a Patrol Deputy and Tactical Team Leader. Deputy Bruner was selected as a School Resource Deputy (SRD) in 2019 for the East Valley School District and has served in that position for the last four years.

Deputy Bruner’s focus on providing safety and security to the students and staff at East Valley Schools has been exceptional. He goes above and beyond when handling threats to the school, students, and staff. Even when off-duty Deputy Bruner has routinely responded to the schools to provide threat assessments when needed.

He has worked in collaboration with other community partners like Northeast Washington ESD 101 to provide a safe environment for kids to learn, and to get help for those children in crisis. Deputy Bruner’s positive attitude, and kindness in the way he treats students and staff at the schools is appreciated!

Deputy Bruner is excited about his upcoming promotion to Detective.

Spokane Police Department Officer Of The Year

Officer Greg Thompson

Officer Thompson serves as an NRO in the Downtown Precinct as well as a Tactical Flight Officer in the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit, an SPD Air Support Unit drone pilot, and a Field Training Officer. He is known for taking on extra duties, responding to call-outs, and working tirelessly to support his team. Officer Thompson is a dedicated officer who loves his job and is always willing to help out. He is organized, mature, and thorough in his work, and he is always focused on doing things right. He takes a tactful and thoughtful approach when discussing concerns or input with his teammates and is always ready with a plan of action. As a pilot with the SPD Air Support Unit, Officer Thompson is one of the most technically proficient pilots, always striving to improve his skills and stay up to date with the latest technology. He is committed to ensuring the success of the Air Support Unit and goes above and beyond to make sure that the unit meets the needs of the department.

Armed Forces Persons Of The Year

MAJOR JORDAN SIMONSON MASTER SERGEANT KEVIN MCMAHON TECHNICAL SERGEANT TONY GUINN SENIOR AIRMAN ALLEN CARPIO

2023 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 2023 Festival Artist is Kathy Lobdell.

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. Learn more at: becu.org/locations/spokane-teller-services

Iam honored and very grateful to have my wax and oil abstract-expressionist painting, Graceful in Their Elegance, chosen as The Spokane Lilac Festival’s 2023 image. Though my painting’s immediate subject is the physical beauty and colors of lilacs, I really hope the image leads a viewer into a flowing movement from the literal to the imaginative. I have always believed that the most powerful works of art do this. They take you from their concrete presence to a deeper place. I believe the City of Spokane does this. It’s a large city that exudes interest and excitement, while never losing its small-town soul.

I am originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin which is so much like Spokane, both founded as railroad towns located in the valley of major rivers. They also share the presence of lilacs in every neighborhood. As a child, I have fond memories of my Grandmother’s home where she proudly gardened her pride and joy, her many lilac bushes. Her love for lilacs has always stayed with me, and it is from this place in my heart I was inspired to create “Graceful in Their Elegance.” I really feel the image celebrates my Grandma while doing the same of Spokane.

Again, I am honored and grateful to have my painting chosen to represent The Spokane Lilac Festival, and I very much hope those who see it go away with an inspired feeling of Spokane’s unique interest, excitement, and soulfulness.

KATHY LOBDELL 2023 FESTIVAL ARTIST

Insured by NCUA.