A hometown star will return to lead one of Spokane’s most beloved traditions as the Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) today announced that Spokane native and comedian Julia Sweeney will serve as grand marshal of the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.
Sweeney is best known for her work on Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1994, where she created the iconic character Pat. She has since built a celebrated career as a performer, writer and storyteller through acclaimed one-person shows, stage performances and film appearances. She is also the author of the memoir If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother, which chronicles her family life and personal experiences with humor and candor.
“We are delighted to welcome Julia home as our grand marshal,” said 2026 Festival President Monika Hawkinson. “Her success, creativity and authenticity reflect the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Embrace.’”
Sweeney will address attendees at the Queen’s Luncheon and President’s Gala, both held on Friday, May 15, and will lead the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 16. The annual parade is the nation’s largest Armed Forces parade and serves as the culmination of festival week, bringing together military units, marching bands, community organizations and thousands of spectators.
Serving as honorary grand marshal will be Col. Angela M. O’Connell, deputy commander of the 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base, where she helps lead policy, operations and readiness for more than 1,000 Air National Guardsmen. O’Connell will be the featured speaker at the Annual All-City Civic Military Luncheon on Thursday, May 14, at the Centennial Hotel.
Parade day also includes a full lineup of family-friendly events, including the Cruzin’ the Falls Car Show, the Lilac Marketplace and the Lilac Festival Brewfest. For a full schedule of events and additional festival information, visit spokanelilacfestival.org.
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About the Spokane Lilac Festival
Founded in 1938, the Spokane Lilac Festival is one of the city’s longest-standing traditions, celebrating community, youth, and military appreciation. Each May, the Festival brings thousands together to enjoy events culminating in the nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. More about the festival can be found at www.spokanelilacfestival.org.
