SPOKANE, Wash. — Seven Spokane County high school seniors have been selected to represent the Spokane Lilac Festival Association as this year’s “Embrace” Royal Court.
The seven Royal Court members began their journey last year, when high schools across the county selected a representative from the senior class to represent their school as an ambassador to the SLFA Royalty Scholarship and Development Program.
Beginning in early January, the ambassadors participated in an eight-week preparation course on character building and leadership with a focus on community service, integrity and teamwork.
After a series of interviews and presentations, the 2026 Royal Court was selected.
The members of this year’s “Embrace” Royal Court are:
Ava Hubble – University High SchoolAva Payne – East Valley High SchoolChloe Nelson – Spokane Valley TechHayden Bowdish – Cheney High SchoolKahlan Cartmell – Shadle Park High SchoolNaliesha Richardson- Gonzaga Preparatory SchoolSimone Kaczmark – Lewis & Clark High School
SLFA says the seven members are honor students, varsity athletes, award-winning speech and debate competitors, and student body officers.
The Royal Court will make its first public appearance on Saturday, March 14 at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Parade in downtown Spokane.
On Saturday March 28, the SLFA will crown the 2026 “Embrace” Festival Queen from among the members of the Royal Court at a coronation held at 4:30 p.m. at the Spokane Community College Auditorium, 1810 N Greene Street. Tickets are now available for purchase here, $15 for adults and $5 for students.
The Queen and Royal Court will represent Spokane at the 88th Annual Spokane Lilac Festival culminating in the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. and will travel with the SLFA Float to over one dozen community festivals across the Pacific Northwest.
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