Purple will reign
It’s a sure sign that summer is just around the corner.
Yes, Spokane’s lilac population has started to bloom, and we’re not talking just about purple-flowered bushes. We’re also talking about purple floats, young women dressed in purple evening gowns and official-looking folks in purple blazers.
Residents of Spokane and visitors from throughout the Inland Northwest will line downtown streets by the thousands the evening of May 19 to celebrate the 69th annual Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. This year’s theme is “Here’s to the Heroes.”
More than 200 units have registered for the event, according to Darla DeCristoforo, vice president of royalty for the Lilac Festival Association.
The East Valley High School marching band will open the evening; the fire department will signal the close of the event.
“We’re honoring each branch of the (military) service,” DeCristoforo said. Parade watchers will see not only floats honoring heroes but also military units and tanks.
DeCristoforo stressed that not only are members of the military our heroes, but other members of the community are as well.
“Our high school bands are heroes,” she said. Local volunteers will be celebrated, and the 2007 Lilac Royal Court will have a special place in the parade, too.
Queen Wylie Patton and her princesses will wind their way along the parade route fairly early because their float is used more than once.
The seven young women, selected Feb. 11, will make public appearances throughout the year.
Their dresses were donated by Celestial Selections; their necklaces and earrings were donated by Mark Webb Designs. The Lilac Festival Association chose the jewelry, and the stones were replaced with purple ones. A private director donated the tiaras.
DeCristoforo said the Lilac Festival works hard to ensure that members of the royalty don’t have to spend a lot of money out of their own pockets. The girls have to pay only for personal items, and they must be on time for their appointments.
“We have wonderful, wonderful community support,” she said.
The Lilac queen and her princesses are an accomplished group of young women. They all have a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher and are involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, music and cheerleading. They also dedicate many hours to community service projects.
Wylie Patton, queen
Freeman High School, 18
College plans: University of Montana
Have you always wanted to be Lilac queen?
“I’ve been interested since Queen Joanna Repsold of 2003. She used to baby-sit us.”
What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with?
“I would love to have lunch with Mayor Dennis Hession because I would love to ask him how he deals with the pressure of running a city.”
Because you will be riding on a float, are you afraid of potholes?
“I honestly never thought about it before. As long as I don’t fall off the top, I am OK . However, I’m a cheerleader, so I’m used to falling.”
What is your favorite thing about being a member of the court?
“Getting to hang with all of the girls. Girl time is totally key.”
Kali Clark, princess
Central Valley High School, 18
College plans:
Brigham Young University in Idaho
Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess?
“Sort of. The ideals of the Lilac Festival match my personal ideals. I like the hometown feeling of (the festival) and molding high school girls into strong, confident young women. I enjoy the community service opportunities that (the festival) offers. I also was attracted to the scholarship program.”
What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with?
“Lilac president Sandy Brown and vice president of royalty Darla DeCristoforo. I always knew the women I go to church with serve their community, but my vision was very narrow. I had no idea how many people in Spokane give their time to serving others. I would like to go out of my own circle and have lunch with these public servants. Spokane is the most giving, loving, family-oriented community. We would go to the Davenport Hotel because so many Lilac memories are being made there.”
What is your favorite thing about being a member of the court?
“The community service events are such fun. I love talking with the people. I got my ‘first kiss’ at a retirement home. A gentleman and I were singing together, and after the song, he leaned his head in and pecked me on the lips! I also love the gown, tiara and jewelry. I feel so sophisticated! We are writing letters to children at area elementary schools – they are precious.”
Margeaux Fox, princess
Lewis and Clark High School, 18
College plans:
University of Washington
Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess?
“Yes. My grandmother was involved in the festival, so I’ve had it in my life for a while. When I heard about it at school, I decided to apply. I am so glad I did.”
What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with?
“(Police Chief) Anne Kirkpatrick. I admire her so much for her efforts within the police force. Maybe at Ella’s Supper Club. I love their virgin margaritas.”
What is your favorite thing about being a member of the court?
“I just love all the events we get to do. I feel like it has given me the opportunity to meet tons of people and expand my knowledge of people and Spokane. It also has helped me socially.”
Rachel Hart, princess
Shadle Park High School, 18
College plans:
University of Washington
Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess?
“Being a Lilac princess was never one of my goals until this year. Having to march in the parade multiple times, I have always thought that the girls had it easy because they got to sit there and wave, but I had to carry a very heavy drum. I was very jealous, but now I get the opportunity to be a princess who gets to wave and cheer for my band.”
Which Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with?
“Someone from KHQ. George (Maupin) is very funny. They are very nice and are always at different events, and I think they support the community of Spokane a lot.”
Alyssa Henke, princess
Gonzaga Prep, 18
College plans:
University of Washington
Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess?
“Yes. I remember, as a little girl, watching the parade with my family and cousins. I was always in awe of all the things the parade offered: the sights, the smells, the sounds.”
What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with?
Definitely Harry Sladich, who is CEO of the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau. I think it would be fun because I’ve heard high school stories about him when he was at Gonzaga Prep 25 years ago from my dad. Harry would be surprised. We’d go to Europa.”
What is your favorite thing about being a member of the court?
“The people in the retirement homes. If you’re having a bad day, the people at the retirement homes can make your day better in two seconds. I’ve met some really fun people, and the stories they tell are inspiring.”
Alexandra Stierwalt, princess
North Central High School, 18
College plans:
University of Washington
Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess?
“I did not know exactly what I was getting into when I turned in my application to be an NC nominee, but I do not regret it. I had always heard that being on the court was ‘an experience of a lifetime,’ but I never saw myself as being prim and proper and feminine 24/7 and doubted my abilities. But since then, I’ve obviously changed my mind.”
What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with?
“I would love to have lunch with the person who had the idea to redo Riverfront Park and host Expo ‘74 (world’s fair). I would like to have a picnic while overlooking the city and ask what prompted them 30 years ago to put Spokane on the map and what they thought was so unique.”
Because you will be riding on a float, are you afraid of potholes?
“I’m sure I will be too concerned with my gown or my wave to notice any potholes during the parade.”
Jasmine Williams, princess
Medical Lake High School, 18
College plans:
North Idaho College
Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess?
“No, I used to think it was just for beauty queens, but after ‘Sand in the City’ last year, I saw that the royalty court was really down to earth (no pun intended.)”
What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with?
“Shelly Monahan at the famous Davenport Hotel. She is beautiful, and so is the hotel. I think Ms. Monahan is an amazing Spokane public figure and a strong, influential leader for young women today.”
What is your favorite thing about being a member of the court?
“The girls on the court are my new best friends, and I admire them deeply. I also love interacting with my community, hearing Spokane’s history from the elders, talking to children and being a representative for Spokane.”