The World’s Largest Lilac Collection
One of the nation’s biggest, oldest and most delightful flower events, the annual Lilac Festival in Rochester, New York, provides 10 days of art, music, food and flora every May.
This community-wide celebration – an international springtime party – takes place from May 13 to 22 this year, as always at the beautiful 155-acre Highland Park.
The only 10-day free festival of its kind in North America, the festival is inspired by the magnificent lilac collection at Highland Park which plays host to over 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes. What was first planted in 1892 by horticulturist John Dunbar has turned into the world’s largest lilac collection that even Martha Stewart has enjoyed when she visited the festival in 2007. This event is perfect for all ages and was voted as a top 100 event by the American Bus Association for 2010.
Other than the fragrant backdrop of the lilacs, there is much that makes the festival special – 10 days of free entertainment on the festival’s main stage including performances by national recording artists and free children’s entertainment during the week and on the weekends.
The only 10-day free festival of its kind in North America, the festival is inspired by the magnificent lilac collection at Highland Park which plays host to over 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes. What was first planted in 1892 by horticulturist John Dunbar has turned into the world’s largest lilac collection that even Martha Stewart has enjoyed when she visited the festival in 2007. This event is perfect for all ages and was voted as a top 100 event by the American Bus Association for 2010.
Other than the fragrant backdrop of the lilacs, there is much that makes the festival special – 10 days of free entertainment on the festival’s main stage including performances by national recording artists and free children’s entertainment during the week and on the weekends.
Daily special events include the new Business Rocks Lilacs on Monday, Lilacs & Bubbles on Tuesday, Farmers Market on Thursday and Medved Lilac 10K & 5K Family Fun Run on Sunday. The 2011 Lilac Parade will bring dozens of marching bands, decorated floats, clowns, children’s choirs, dancers and costumed characters.
Visitors will see not only nature's bounty in abundance, but exhibitors, food vendors, entertainment, children's activities and much more.
For more information about top events in New York take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New York.
For more information on Rochester’s Lilac Festival visit www.lilacfestival.com