Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2024
Contact: Executive Director, Adriana Berndt, ed@spokanelilacfestival.org
Spokane Lilac Festival Association Announces 2025 Theme & Leadership
[Spokane, WA] On Wednesday, September 4, at the annual installation event held at Fête – A Nectar Co. in downtown Spokane, the Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) announced plans and inducted leadership for their 87th festival year!
During the gathering, 2024 Festival co-presidents Elisabeth Hooker and Carly Cortright reflected on their busy year as the “Dream Team”. Cortright got emotional, stating “what a gift we give this city! And this year, being able to take our float across the state, into Idaho, and up to Canada, it’s been the true honor of my life to serve as a representative of Spokane Lilac Festival Association.”
The 2024 “Dare to Dream” parade hosted nearly 80,000 participants and spectators in downtown Spokane, with an additional 10,000+ watching on NonStop Local KHQ and SWX, the Festival’s official media sponsor. Hooker reflected on her journey from “a reluctant Royalty candidate” in 1999 to being a “part of the long legacy of leadership represented by the Lilac Festival.” “I can’t think of a more fitting year to have had the chance to co-lead this organization,” she said. “Now is the time to stop looking back and instead, strive forward, becoming a premier example of what celebration in Spokane looks like.”
2023 Past President Sam Snow presided over the confirmation of the executive committee, recognizing the new and returning officers that will serve in the volunteer leadership positions over the next year. Following the change of leadership, 2025 president, Jamie Dedmon, addressed the group and announced the 2025 Spokane Lilac Festival theme, To Spokane with Love. Dedmon spoke to the group of staff, past presidents, directors, current and past royalty, and volunteers, “to all of you, you are my daily inspiration, and I have decided to dedicate this year’s theme to you.”
Since 1938, the Spokane Lilac Festival Association’s volunteers have reached outside themselves and pursued the heart of our community. Because of the love they have for Spokane, they tirelessly give of their time and talents to fulfill the SLFA’s mission to honor our military, empower our youth, and showcase our region. This year’s theme is dedicated to the gift these volunteers give to Spokane. What once was a modest tradition has blossomed into a week-long extravaganza, where spring, youth, and community spirit converge in a jubilant celebration.
The 2025 theme pin – a tradition established in 1984 – was designed by Nick Fogel, graphic artist for Lockheed Martin/Texas and nephew of 2025 President Jamie Dedmon. The heart-shaped theme pin is a celebration of the love our community has for Spokane. Iconic landmarks such as the Spokane River, the clock tower, the Monroe Street bridge and our American Flag celebrate what we have come to know and love as part of our community. By purchasing and wearing your 2025 theme pin, we encourage all to give a little of your time and treasure to make Spokane an exceptional community. Theme pins will be available for sale online at www.spokanelilacfestival.org beginning this winter, and at local retailers early 2025.
The 2025 Spokane Lilac Festival Association Executive Board includes:
- President: Jamie Dedmon
- Executive Director: Adriana Berndt
- 2026 President Elect: Monika Hawkinson
- Immediate Past Presidents: Elisabeth Hooker and Carly Cortright
- Treasurer: Sam Snow
- Military Relations: Annika Marshall and Elisabeth Hooker
- Director Engagement & Area Relations: Monika Hawkinson
- Float: Scott Phipps
- Hosting: Katie Sweeney
- Merchandising: Jason Armstrong
- Parade: Shelley Sholl
- Royalty: Jasmin Davis & Jill Ham
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 senior girls selected from among Spokane County’s 31 area high schools travel across the northwest 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.
