SPOKANE, Wash. — People didn’t let a little gloomy weather rain on their parade as they watched the Annual Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane Saturday evening.
The parade began on Washington and zig-zagged its way through downtown before ending on Spokane Falls Boulevard.
Around 80,000 people lined the sidewalks on Saturday to celebrate one of the city of Spokane’s oldest traditions and honor our military members.
“It’s just a neat time to gather together to celebrate who we are as Spokane and showcase our best,” said Jason Armstrong, the vice president of merchandise for the Lilac Festival.
For many families, attending this festival has become a tradition of their own.
“It is a family event. We come down, be with one another. It just means family,” said Brenda Fracasso, who brought her daughter and grandchildren to the parade.
Brenda, just like many others, came down hours before the parade to get a good spot.
The celebration was an all-day event, including a car show and countless local vendors stationed throughout the Lilac Marketplace.
The Lilac Festival started in 1938 and is a tradition carried on and organized by volunteers. Since its beginning, it has become a cherished family tradition for many, honoring our military and empowering our youth.
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