The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Car show kicks off festivities

Lilac chariot: An old stagecoach was put into service in May 1940 for Spokane’s Lilac Princess and her court in the city’s third Lilac Festival Parade. Spring flowers were used in profusion to decorate the coach. Princess Shannon Mahoney was on the floral throne at the rear. Members of her court were Maxine Clark, Barbara Atwater, Margaret Monaghan and Dolores Ellison. Today’s downtown parade, the Lilac Festival’s 75th, begins at 7:45 p.m.

As many as 160,000 people are expected to line the streets of downtown Spokane tonight for the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.

It’s the 75th celebration of the Spokane Lilac Festival, and events today include a reunion of former Lilac Festival royalty.

The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with the 13th annual Cruzin’ the Falls car show and cruise on Spokane Falls Boulevard at Howard Street. The parade itself begins at 7:45 p.m.

Remember: Security will be tight during this year’s events. Bags and coolers left unattended will be confiscated.

In addition, pets should be left at home; they’re not allowed on downtown streets or in Riverfront Park during special events.

The Lilac Festival began in Spokane in 1938 with a display of different varieties of lilacs and a small parade with one float.

Parade street closures