Don't forget about Lilac Festival

According to an Aug. 1 "Soapbox" statement, "A town the size of Lombard should have a flagship festival."

In fact, Lombard has had one for 85 years. The annual Lilac Festival, a two-week event every May which begins with the crowning of the Lilac Queen and ends with the Lilac Parade, was first held in 1930.

Perhaps it is the definition of "festival" which is at issue. Granted, the Lilac Festival is not the "Taste of" variety, and so does not include overpriced food and ear-splitting music. It instead features an arts and crafts fair, low-key concerts in Lilacia Park, and, for those so inclined, the Lilac Ball. I suspect that this one-of-a-kind festival is the type most residents of Lombard prefer.

Kenneth N. Marshall

Lombard