Spectators line the streets for 78th annual Lilac parade

Heavy rain and flood warnings gave way to a damp and chilly 78th annual Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade Saturday night in downtown Spokane.

An hour before the parade was to start, the rain stopped. But even when the rain still fell people lined the streets, taking shelter under umbrellas, in tents and under overhangs.

Mike and Jennifer Morgan were in their accustomed spot in the middle of the eastbound lanes of Riverside Avenue at the intersection with Post Street, arriving at 5:30 p.m. They were there to see their daughter, Becca, play her mellophone with the Central Valley High School marching band.

“We’ve been coming down here for 12 years,” Mike Morgan said, indicating the spot where he sat in a camp chair. “We’re here, rain or shine.”

They like the spot, because it’s on a turn on the parade route, said Jennifer Morgan.

“We like to watch everyone come straight at us,” she said. “Usually we’re rubbing shoulders with people, but not this year.”

They followed the rest of their annual tradition by getting takeout from P.F. Chang’s. And by the time the parade started, they were indeed rubbing shoulders with other people.

Miriam Lewis, a Viking Diva from the Whitefish, Montana, Winter Carnival float, took shelter from the rain before the parade under an overpass where many floats were parked. She hoped to stay dry during the parade but would enjoy the experience even if she didn’t.

Lewis said she’s been in the Torchlight Parade before and in a lot of other parades as well.

“This, to me, is my absolute No. 1 favorite parade,” she said. “We love this parade.”

She said the parade is emotional and uplifting for participants. “It is moving,” she said.

Once the parade got underway, Spokanites showed their appreciation and respect by rising from their camp chairs and taking off their hats whenever a military unit or entry went by, cheering heartily.

The Lilac Princesses went by in their purple gowns, followed by veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. This year’s parade had 203 entries and dozens of marching bands.

Many people in the crowd said they were looking forward to seeing the Budweiser Clydesdales in full hitch, pulling a wagon. But in an apparent nod to the inclement weather, the horses were hauled down the parade route in semi trucks with the side doors open so people could see them.