[Spokane, WA] The Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) is now accepting applications for parade entries to participate in the 85th Annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday May 20, 2023 in Downtown Spokane.

Community volunteers – dubbed the “Parade Krewe” – works tirelessly throughout the year to bring this annual treasure to our community. “It is with great excitement that we share the opening of the application process for the 2023 Torchlight Parade and Cruzin’ the Falls Car Show” says SLFA Vice President of Parade, Jamie Dedmon. “We hope that everyone will join us downtown for a day of fun activities.”

Annually nearly 100,000 Spokane citizens and visitors gather in downtown Spokane to cheer on their favorite drill team, marching band member, veterans and military units, or community organization. In years past parade highlights have featured giant helium balloons, animatronic floats, DeLorean Car Club members, and the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Each applicant must submit a $25 non-refundable application fee and commercial units must pay a fee of $1200.00. Military units, veteran units, VIPs, Northwest Hosting members, and Junior Lilac Parade best in show band are all exempted from fees unless they apply late.

The Armed Forces Torchlight Parade is the largest parade of its kind in the nation, and happens each year on Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May. The parade features units of marching bands, floats, commercial businesses, equestrian, and many military and civic groups, all which typically include lighting elements to sparkle during the nighttime event. The Torchlight parade includes over 200 units each year and steps-off at 7:45pm with a flyover from a KC 135, arranged by Fairchild Air Force Base.

This year’s Signature Parade Partner is the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino. “The Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino are proud to partner with the Spokane Lilac Festival Association to celebrate our military in the 85th annual Armed Forces Day parade,” says Curt Holmes, General Manager of Public and Governmental Affairs for the Kalispel Tribe. “Everyone who grew up in and around Spokane has wonderful memories of either attending or participating in the Lilac Parade. It brings families together and gives us the opportunity to celebrate our local veterans and those actively serving. We’re excited to help the Lilac Festival Association continue this treasured community tradition.”

Applications are being accepted through Friday, April 21, 2023 and can be found online at www.spokanelilacfestival.org. Additional applications for parade day events can be found at the SLFA website, including applications to vend along the parade route, information about the Cruzin’ the Falls Car now – now in its 26th year – and to participate in the “Lilac Marketplace” located on Howard Street just south of Spokane Falls Blvd.

Each year, the SLFA President selects a theme which guides all festival events, 2023 Festival President, Sam Snow, selected the theme “Onward.”

“To put it simply, ‘onward’ is a continuation forward, moving ahead and not coming to an end,” says Snow. “This signifies and represents the place we are with Lilac. We’re moving on, we’re doing great things. In order to make it to our one-hundredth anniversary, we are forging ahead and being relevant in our community.”

The 2023 theme pin – a tradition established in 1984 – features images of the Monroe Street bridge, a KC 135, the iconic clocktower in Riverfront Park and a train engine, ever moving forward and onward.

Theme pins – the SLFA’s single largest fundraiser – are now available at local retailers and online at www.spokanelilacfestival.org.

On Tuesday, September 13, at an installation dinner held at the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Spokane, volunteers of the Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) announced plans and inducted leadership for the 85th festival year.

During the gathering 2022 Festival President, Alan Hart, reflected on the many accomplishments of the SLFA over a challenging two years. Hart highlighted successful fundraising, renewed interest and growth in directorship, and the addition featured SLFA events “all under extraordinary circumstances.” New events included a Holiday Parade and Holiday Bruncheon in 2021 and a BrewFest held on Festival Weekend 2022.

The 2022 “Our Town” parade hosted nearly 80,000 participants and spectators in downtown Spokane, bringing attendance nearly even with participation in the 2019. “Since 1938, the Lilac Festival has served as a beacon of community for the region,” said Hart. “Through all the challenges, Lilac will continue to grow and adapt, and to serve our mission to honor our military, empower youth and showcase our region.”

1989 Past President, Marilyn Thordarson, presided over the confirmation of the executive committee recognizing the new officers that will serve in volunteer leadership positions over the next year.

The 2023 Spokane Lilac Festival Association Executive Board includes:

• President: Sam Snow, Itron
• 2024 Presidents Elect: Elisabeth Hooker, Downtown Spokane Partnership and Carly Cortright, Spokane Transit
• Past President: Alan Hart, Retired US Air Force
• Treasurer: Monika Hawkinson, Spokane Public Schools
• Area Relations, Community Military: Karen Montague, Visit Spokane
• SLFA Development Director: Adriana Berndt
• Director Engagement: Cecelia Stephens
• Float: Scott Phipps, Avista
• Hosting: Jasmin Davis, Eastern Washington University
• Merchandising and Marketing: Elisabeth Hooker, Downtown Spokane Partnership
• Parade: Jamie Dedmon
• Royalty: Kim Johnson, Providence

Following the change of leadership, 2023 President, Sam Snow, addressed the assembly, announcing the 2023 Spokane Lilac Festival theme, “Onward.”

“To put it simply, ‘onward’ is a continuation forward, moving ahead and not coming to an end,” said Snow. “This signifies and represents the place we are with Lilac. We’re moving on, we’re doing great things. In order to continue and exist and make it to our one-hundredth anniversary, we need to continue to forge ahead and be relevant in our community.”

The 2023 theme pin – a tradition established in 1983 – features images of the Monroe Street bridge, a KC 135, the iconic clocktower in Riverfront Park and a train engine, ever moving forward and onward. Theme pins will be available for sale beginning early 2023 at local retailers and online at www.spokanelilacfestival.org.

The SLFA invites community members to mark the calendar for November 19, 2022, for the second annual Merry & Magical Holiday Parade presented by the SLFA in downtown Spokane, kicking off the 2022 Holiday Season.

[Spokane, WA] After two years of cancellations the Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) is excited to announce the return of the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade to downtown Spokane on Saturday May 21.

Prior to 2020 and 2021, the Lilac Festival has only been cancelled three times due to disruption from World War II from 1943 through 1945. In celebration of a return to Community, the 2022 Festival theme selected by President Alan Hart is “Our Town.”

“After two years of delays, cancellations and separation, we are ready to gather as a community again,” said Alan Hart. “Now is the time to showcase the many things we love about Our Town, not only Spokane but our entire region.”

Sponsored by BECU, the 2022 parade will once again feature local and visiting high school bands, community floats, equestrian units, marching and vehicle units representing branches of the armed forces and veterans, and a few surprises in between.

The SLFA invites the community to mark their calendar for Festival Week commencing May 16 and culminating with the Torchlight Parade on May 21. The SLFA invites you to join us at any of our fun and exciting events.

Monday, May 16

Lilac Legacy Art Show
6:00 pm | Nectar Catering & Events | FREE – Donations accepted
The Spokane Lilac Festival Association presents the Sixth Annual Lilac Legacy Art Show. Featuring exhibitions of artwork from local artists and the selection of the 2023 Official Festival Artist.

Friday, May 20

Queen’s Luncheon Sponsored by Empower Esthetics
11:30 am | DoubleTree Hotel | $50 per person
Join Queen Janna and the 2022 Our Town Lilac Festival Royal Court for a luncheon hosting visiting royalty with an inspiring message from 2022 Parade Honorary Grand Marshal, the Honorable Debra L. Stephens of the Washington State Supreme Court. We will also be recognizing the Teachers of the Year that have been selected by our Royal Court from their respective high schools.

President’s Gala
6:30 pm | DoubleTree Hotel | $100 per person
Celebrate Spokane at the President’s Gala hosted by 2022 Lilac Festival President, Alan Hart. Welcome community leaders from across the Pacific Northwest, recognize Civil and Military Persons of the Year while enjoying entertainment, dancing and a keynote from 2022 Parade Grand Marshal, Retired USAF Colonel, John “Marshall” Groves.

Saturday, May 21

Cruzin’ the Falls Car Show Sponsored by TDS Fiber
10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Spokane Falls Blvd, Stevens to Post | Vehicle registration $10
Before the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday May 21, join us in downtown Spokane on Spokane Falls Blvd west of Stevens for the Cruizin’ the Falls Car Show sponsored by TDS Fiber from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Enjoy music from KEY 101.1, hosted by morning show DJ, Kent Jones. Vehicle entry is a $10 donation, Registration opens at 9:00 am and closes when full or at 11:00 am. Awards presentation at 4:00 pm, with awards sponsored by Les Schwab Tires. Cars will line up to cruise through the parade route at 5:30 pm.

Food Truck Festival
11:00 am – Close | Riverfront Park Howard Street Bridge
Join the Greater Spokane Food Truck Association in Riverfront Park for a sampling of Spokane’s best mobile food trucks! Serving up while supplies last.

Lilac Festival Brewfest
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm | 10 N Wall Street | Tickets $35, VIP Ticket $45
Festival planners are adding a new event to Festival Weekend! The Brewfest will showcase Spokane’s many award-winning and innovative breweries. All tickets include a commemorative glass and 10 tokens for 5-oz pours at the participating breweries.

Armed Forces Torchlight Parade with Signature Sponsor BECU
7:45 pm | Downtown Spokane Parade Start Spokane Falls and Washington | Bleacher seating $15
Don’t miss the nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade! City streets close at 4:00 pm taking over 16 square blocks in the heart of downtown to celebrate Our Town – the Lilac City – Spokane. Enjoy the best view of the parade when you purchase a pass for bleacher viewing located at Main Ave and Washington.

All tickets can be found online at www.spokanelilacfestival.org. Most events will be held at the SLFA’s 2022 host hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center.

Support the return of the parade and festival programs when you purchase a 2022 “Our Town” theme pin. The SLFA first introduced an annual theme in 1984 under President Ronald Hardin. That theme was “Spread Your Wings” and the tradition has continued until today. Pins can be found at sponsors and retailers throughout the region, and are available for only $5.

“When you purchase a pin, you’re purchasing an opportunity to support our mission of honoring our military, empowering our youth, and showcasing our region,” says Hart.

The Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) is a 501c3 nonprofit community organization established in 1938 by the Associated Garden Club of Spokane. Following the end of World War Two, what had been a loosely organized group of enthusiasts gathered to officially form the Spokane Lilac Festival Association, launching in 1946 and continuing to this day. Each May the SLFA hosts communities from across the Pacific Northwest for the annual Lilac Festival culminating in the nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Armed Forces Day. SLFA Directors and the Royal Court of seven high school seniors selected from among Spokane County’s 31 area high schools travel across the north-west each summer with the festival float, serving as ambassadors of Spokane to the region and beyond. To learn more about the SLFA visit www.spokanelilacfestival.org.

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