If you’ve ever been in Spokane in May, you may have noticed the big, beautiful parade cruising through the downtown streets. If so, you’ve caught a glimpse of the annual Lilac Festival — but those who call Eastern Washington home know there’s so much more to this nonprofit event.

The Lilac Festival has been a tradition in Spokane, the Lilac City, since 1938.

Sean O’Neill / Flickr This year’s event will be its 80th.

The event began as an effort by the Associated Garden Clubs and the Spokane Floral Society to show off the lilacs that have always been prominent here in spring. The other goal was to showcase area youth.

Spokane Lilac Festival Facebook The clubs organized a parade a royalty program to honor young people in the Spokane area, an effort which has only grown over the last eight decades.

These days, it’s still a great honor to be granted a spot on the Lilac Festival Royal Court.

Spokane Lilac Festival Facebook They’re able to earn scholarships, volunteer, make public appearances, and ride in the parade. The court visits 20 cities and travels about 8,000 miles each festival season.

Another important goal of the festival is to honor the military.

Spokane Lilac Festival Facebook The annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade showcases local school bands, youth of all ages, dancers, gymnasts, and the local military units in the Inland Northwest.

The Spokane Lilac Festival has grown into a week-long event, and this year’s dates are on the horizon.

Spokane Lilac Festival Facebook The parade is Saturday, May 19, with exciting events happening all week.

This is Spokane’s oldest and largest community event, with an economic impact of $1.6 million and a priceless impact on local youth.

Orin Blomberg / Flickr It’s also a lot of fun.

If you’ve never been to a Lilac Festival, head that way this weekend and check it out. And if you can’t make it this time, here are some other small town festivals you won’t want to miss.

Sean O’Neill / Flickr

This year’s event will be its 80th.

Spokane Lilac Festival Facebook

The clubs organized a parade a royalty program to honor young people in the Spokane area, an effort which has only grown over the last eight decades.

They’re able to earn scholarships, volunteer, make public appearances, and ride in the parade. The court visits 20 cities and travels about 8,000 miles each festival season.

The annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade showcases local school bands, youth of all ages, dancers, gymnasts, and the local military units in the Inland Northwest.

The parade is Saturday, May 19, with exciting events happening all week.

Orin Blomberg / Flickr

It’s also a lot of fun.

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