Mackinac Island’s Lilac Festival in running for USA Today Best Flower Festival

Mackinac Island, MI – The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival has been nominated in USA Today’s Best Flower Festival contest. The ten-day festival is Mackinac Island’s first festival of the summer and attracts thousands of visitors daily. Events include The Lilac Festival Grand Parade, horse drawn carriage tours, The Farm Bureau Family Fun Area, beer and wine tastings, Island tours with lilac experts, A Taste of Mackinac, boat cruises and The Dog and Pony Parade.

The Lilac Festival started in 1948 as a one-day event to honor the Island’s lilacs that were brought to Mackinac during the 1700 and 1800’s. The festival has blossomed to one of the largest events on  the Island and ends with the Grand Parade, one of the longest running horse hitch parades in the world.

“We are flattered to be included in USA Today’s Best Flower Festival and appreciate those who take the time to vote” said Alison Abraham, Assistant Director of Mackinac Island Tourism. “The festival  is so rich in Mackinac Island’s history and that sets us apart from the other flower festivals. There aren’t many places you can find a parade that is car free and horse powered.”

Voters can visit 10best.com/awards/travel/best-flower-festival/ to vote for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival daily on multiple devices now through March 28th at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on April 1st.

“Everyone who has been to Mackinac has a special memory of how this magical place made them feel and we are hoping that encourages people to vote for the Lilac Festival, whether they visit every summer, just visited once or it is on your bucket to visit” said Tim Hygh, CEO of Mackinac

Island Tourism. “We encourage people to vote daily until March 28th.”

For additional information on the 68th Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, the USA Today Contest or photos of the Lilac Festival,  please contact Alison Abraham at [email protected] or 906-430-8088.