SPOKANE, Wash. — The Armed Forces Torchlight Parade is tonight in downtown Spokane, but festivities began long before the parade.
The Armed Forces Torchlight Parade was started nearly a century ago with the Spokane Garden Club decorating cars with blooming lilacs. Now, it has grown into much more.
“It’s always a great day for a parade and the fun things that are happening,” said Jason Armstrong, the vice president of merchandising for the Spokane Lilac Festival. “In our 88th year, this is one of Spokane’s signature pieces. The lilacs are in beautiful bloom.”
Ahead of the parade, guests got to experience cars at the show as well as enjoy local vendors from around Spokane.
“We have a car show that’s happening on Spokane Falls Boulevard this afternoon,” Armstrong said. “The Lilac Brew Fest will be in the pavilion, and there will be fun activities all throughout as we are welcoming so many of our guests to Spokane for this special event.”
As some spectators checked out what Spokane’s small businesses had to offer, others were parked in their spots hours before the parade even started.
“If you have somewhere you really like to sit and you want enough space for everyone, it’s definitely worth it,” said Jaime Lamanna.
For Armstrong, getting to help plan and work for the organization is a dream come true.
“I grew up in Spokane and I remember coming to the Lilac Parade with my family. I was always intrigued by the people in the purple jackets and white pants and now, I’ve had the opportunity to be one of those directors,” he said. “I just love the lilac season and celebrating our community.”
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