SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade will follow a shortened route Saturday as the city reduces costs for major events.
The parade route has been cut by approximately 50 percent, going up to at Riverside Avenue instead of continuing to First Avenue as in previous years. The city announced the change in January to help reduce expenses for large events.
“The parade especially is a die-hard tradition for Spokane fans, and even though we might be shorter in route length. We are bringing it, and I do encourage everyone to come down and be a part of that,” said Monika Hawkinson, president of the Spokane Lilac Festival Association.
The 88th annual festival begins Saturday with multiple events throughout the weekend. This year’s parade features 155 entries and around 25 floats, according to Hawkinson.
The parade starts at 7:45 p.m. on Washington Street and zigzags from Riverside to Spokane Falls, ending near the intersection with Post Street.
Festival organizers expressed frustration about the route reduction but remain optimistic about the event’s quality.
“Of course we are disappointed to find out that it was shorter. But you know, we are resilient, and Spokane loves a parade,” Hawkinson said.
The Lilac Festival began in 1938 as a way to welcome service members arriving by train with lilacs. It has since become one of Spokane’s longest-running traditions, focusing on honoring the military, empowering youth and showcasing the region.
Other weekend events include the Lilac Marketplace starting at 11 a.m., the Cruzin the Falls Car Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Lilac Brewfest beginning at 1 p.m. at the Pavilion.
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