Parade Caps Off A Lilac Weekend
While events like the Fairchild Air Force Base open house and air show and Junior Lilac Parade have come and gone, there are still more Lilac Festival events coming up this weekend. Most are a prelude to the big show which is the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade that marches through downtown Spokane Saturday night. With the big parade and all the other events, there is plenty to keep folks inclined to celebrating the Lilac Festival very busy.
Today’s events, which are all sold out, include the Lilac Royalty Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. and the Lilac Festival President’s Dinner and Dance with Men of Rhythm providing music starting at 5:30 p.m., both at Cavanaugh’s Ridpath Hotel downtown.
Saturday’s pre-parade buffet at the Ridpath from 4 to 6 p.m. is also sold out. A Lilac Festival Farewell Brunch scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday at Fairchild Air Force Base is sold out, as well.
If you plan to spend the whole day downtown Saturday, you can get started with the Lilac Festival Pancake Breakfast from 6 to 7 a.m. The free meal will be served under the freeway at Fourth and Jefferson. After the meal you can take a sneak peek at the parade floats, which will be available for viewing until 4 p.m.
After the float viewing (and maybe a little shopping), head to the parade route early to pick out a prime viewing spot. Parade devotees have been known to pick out their perches several hours in advance. Set up your lawn chairs and blankets and post a person to keep an eye on ‘em. You can always take a stroll through Riverfront Park or take your kids to visit the Children’s Museum at 110 N. Post once you’ve staked out your place.
If you want a guaranteed seat at a good location, you also can buy a spot in the bleachers that will be set up at the start line. Seats are $5 for adults and $3 for children and can be purchased today by calling the festival office at 326-3339.
The parade itself will get underway at 7:45 p.m. at Washington and Spokane Falls Boulevard and will wind through the streets of downtown. The 61st annual event will have nearly 200 entries, including area high school bands and drill teams, the Lilac Festival Royalty, giant balloons, floats, and military vehicles.
Come prepared for chilly temperatures and all kinds of weather. Flashlights are probably to good idea for the walk to your car after the parade ends. If you’d rather watch the parade while snug and warm in your home, KHQ will air the parade live on channel 6. Coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 10 p.m., or whenever the parade ends.