SPOKANE — The Spokane Lilac Festival brought families together for its 88th year, with many continuing traditions that span generations.
Jamie Lamanna attended the festival as a child and now watches her own children participate in the parade.
“I have one that’s a senior so it’ll be her fourth year in the parade…and one that’s a freshman so it’ll be his first year,” Lamanna said. “It’s just exciting to watch them and they are excited about it so it makes me even more excited.”
Chloe Nelson, one of this year’s Lilac Festival princesses, has been encouraged to participate since childhood.
“My mom has encouraged it since I was young…we have always been Spokane natives and so seeing the Lilac Festival on TV has been absolutely amazing,” Nelson said. “Seeing the impact that it has on young girls’ lives has really influenced me to try my best and continue pushing forward to being the best person I can be.”
Nelson said serving as a princess allows her to honor her family and community.
“I think the biggest part of it is the love of community and service,” Nelson said. “The Lilac Festival is about showing all of that service and all of that love and really seeing how Spokane comes together and they really see that love and that unity…because we are all just one…and we are just Spokane.”
The festival has become a tradition for many Spokane families over its 88-year history. The parade draws participants from local schools and community organizations.
For families like Lamanna’s, the festival creates connections between generations. Parents who attended as children now watch their own kids participate in the celebration.
The festival’s royal court program encourages young people to get involved in community service. Participants like Nelson become examples of civic engagement for other young residents.
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