Lilac Festival Parade 2010

The Lilac Festival Parade began at the east end of Main Street and processed through town to the delight of parade goers young and old alike.

The excitement built throughout the day as the sounds of pipers, bands, and fife and drum filled the air from Marquette Park. The friendly hometown atmosphere set the stage for a wonderful event.

Main Street was a flurry of activity throughout this weather perfect day. Many parade goers lined the curbs with chairs hours before the parade began and watched with anticipation as the town readied for the big event.

Lilac inspired fashion was the attire of the day and those who “dressed the part” were an inspiration to others who will definitely want to do the same next year.

Lifelong Mackinac Island resident Don “Duck” Andress, dressed in his finest Indian garb, led the parade as he has been doing since Stella King asked him about 38 years ago. This tradition is anticipated with delight every year and the cheers of the crowd demonstrated it!

The parade is always a chance for friends to gather, enjoy each other’s company,reminisce, and make new memories.

Hot Tip for 2011 Lilac Parade!

Want a free pound of fudge at the Lilac Parade? Watch the parade from near the Lakeview Hotel and listen to the parade announcer closely. Every year Bart "Commodore" Huthwaite awards boxes of fudge (Ryba's Fudge!) to folks who can give the closest answer to Mackinac trivia questions: When you attend next year be ready for the following question: "What is the highest number of tons of horse manure that has ever been swept up on Mackinac Island streets?" The anwer? An astounding total of 4002 tons! Remember this and you can be a winner!

Floats, bands, princesses, clowns, cyclists, dogs and of course, horses delighted the crowd.

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