SPOKANE, Wash. —
The Spokane Lilac Festival announced on Wednesday that it is postponing the 82nd Armed Forces Torchlight Parade until July due to COVID-19 concerns.
The popular parade, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 16, has been moved to Saturday, July 25.
"This was a difficult decision by the Festival’s Board and Directors made after consultation with the City of Spokane, other regional festival leadership and Lilac Festival sponsors. We are hopeful that the timing of the Festival in July will be an opportunity for Spokane and its neighbors to celebrate our nation’s recovery from this trying time," the Spokane Lilac Festival said in a statement.
This year’s festival theme is “Destination Spokane," showcasing the city and region as an exceptional place to live and visit.
While the parade may look different and have fewer participants this year, Lilac Festival leaders are confident that they can stage a "celebratory and crowd-pleasing event" to honor military members, empower youth and showcase the Inland Northwest.
More information and details on how the community can support or assist in preparation for the July parade are available on the Lilac Festival's website.
