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LOMBARD – The lilacs are beginning to bloom at Lilacia Park which means one thing: The Vllage of Lombard’s annual Lilac Time has returned to the “Lilac Village.”
Lombard’s favorite tradition officially runs Saturday through May 18, and features several key events. Here’s a look at some of the festivities:
Today: Little Lady Lilac Ball – Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road. Dads and daughters will dance, play games and enjoy a visit from the Lilac Princesses. The event begins at 6 p.m.
May 3 to 17: Lilacia Park Tours – Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. Tours include the Lilac Heritage Tour, the Heirloom Lilac Tour and combination tours. Tours begin at the Victorian Cottage, located across from the southeast corner of Lilacia Park. Tours will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
May 3: Lilac Queen Coronation – Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. The 2014 Lilac Queen will be announced during the coronation. The event begins at 1 p.m.
May 4: Lilac Time Art & Craft Fair, St. Charles Road between Main and Elizabeth streets. The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s art and craft fair. The yearly community events draws thousands of people and is the first outdoor festival of the season. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 9: Lilac Ball – The Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Road. The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s 55th Annual Lilac Ball will feature dinner, dancing and the introduction of the 2014 Lilac Queen. The event will run from 6 to 11 p.m.
May 16: Kiwanis Housewalk – Coach House, 23 W. Maple St. The 10th Annual Over the Threshold housewalk will feature five Lombard homes from various decades. A reception will also be held at 3 p.m. at the Lombard Historical Society’s Coach House to meet the homeowners and designers. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 16: Lilac Time Beer Tasting – Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. Drink beer and learn from local experts. The evening features music, food and a diverse selection of beers. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
May 17: Lilac Time Wine Tasting – Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. Sample various types of white, red, chardonnay and desert wines, and learn what makes them unique. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
May 17: Mutt Strut 5K & Puppy Path – Maple Street and Park Avenue. The Lombard Park District’s eighth annual event that features canines and a pancake breakfast. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the race start at 8 a.m.
May 18: Lilac Parade – Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St. This year’s parade theme is, “Oh, the Places You Will Go.” The parade begins at 1:30 p.m.
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More online
For a complete list of events, visit lombardparks.org/recreation/lilac-time.