[SPOKANE, Wash.] The Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) proudly launched its 2026 season on Tuesday, September 9 at the Spokane Club, unveiling the new theme: Embrace. The 88th annual festival will culminate with the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade (AFTP) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in downtown Spokane.
The 2026 theme reflects the Festival’s enduring commitment to heritage, service, youth, and community pride. Embrace honors Spokane’s military, empowers future leaders, and celebrates the connections that bind generations together.
The SLFA also installed its new leadership team for the 2026 Festival Season:
- President – Monika Hawkinson, Spokane Public Schools
- President-Elect – Scott Phipps, Avista
- Immediate Past President – Jamie Dedmon, Retired
- Treasurer – Sam Snow, Itron
- Vice Presidents – Shelley Sholl (Parade), Scott Phipps (Float), Jasmin Davis & Jill Ham (Royalty), Katie Sweeney & Margeaux Fox (Hosting), Monika Hawkinson (Military Relations), Carly Cortright (Director Engagement), Elisabeth Hooker (Area Relations/Communications), Jamie Dedmon (Corporate Development), Jason Armstrong (Merchandising).
Designed by Spokane artist Andrea Couch, the 2026 pin reimagines the 1986 Lilac Festival pin in honor of President Hawkinson’s 40th anniversary as Festival Queen. The design features a young woman’s profile, lilacs in bloom, Spokane landmarks, and two stars symbolizing the military, crafting a tribute to Spokane’s heritage and future.
President Hawkinson also shared that the 2026 AFTP Grand Marshal would be Spokane native, celebrated comedian, actress, and writer Julia Sweeney, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, with Colonel Angela M. O’Connell, Deputy Commander of the 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base serving as Honorary Grand Marshal.
About President Monika Hawkinson
A proud Spokane native, Monika Hawkinson served as the 1986 Spokane Lilac Festival Queen. Her lifelong passion for service and leadership has spanned a distinguished military career, 29 years as an educator, and eight years as a Lilac Festival Director. She is also a mother of three, a devoted wife, and an accomplished photographer, singer, and reader. “It is with gratitude and excitement that I step into the role of President,” says Hawkinson. “I look forward to honoring our traditions, uplifting our community, and sharing the beauty and spirit of Spokane with all.”
Honoring 2025
At the installation, Immediate Past President Jamie Dedmon recognized outstanding directors and volunteers for the 2025 season, including Hall of Fame inductee Mike Moore, who has contributed to designing and building the SLFA float for 50 years, and President’s Award recipient Tom Higgins, a longstanding member of the Parade Krewe and retired Spokane Parks employee.
