Flowers, Food, and Fun (Oh, My!)

By Miriam C. Zinter

Published May 12, 2018.

Not only is the Lilac Festival the harbinger of spring in the northern hemisphere, but it is also the official start to festival season in Rochester.  The most unique of all of the Rochester festivals, the Lilac Festival is perhaps, Rochester’s oldest continuous festival. (I could have done research to see if indeed the Lilac Festival is Rochester’s oldest continuous festival – but I have a day job and it was easier to put the qualifier “perhaps” in front of this supposition, than to actually research it).  Centering around one particular flower, the lilac – the Lilac Festival draws thousands of Rochesterians in desperate need of Vitamin D, to leave their homes and converge upon Highland Park. Why do we migrate each May to this one spot, like salmon to spawn? Each person has their reasons – but I have three basic reasons why the Lilac Festival is not to be missed.

The Flowers

Call me old-fashioned, but I love walking along the twisting, turning paths uphill (always uphill) in Highland Park and smelling the large, tender, fragrant clusters of lilacs. Purple, white, pink – beautiful lilacs. Some people love the pansy bed found directly on Highland Avenue just west of Goodman Street – and yes – I have posed for photos there. And some people love the tulips or the rhododendrons (Come on! How could rhododendrons possibly compare?)  – but for me, it’s really all about the lilacs. Each year family members try to find the most gorgeously scented lilac bush – imploring each other to stop and smell the flowers. Not only a metaphor for life, but for the summer season to come.

The Food

After all of that walking along the meandering paths, a woman gets hungry. Thank goodness the Lilac Festival has a plethora of gastronomic options. My favorite? Hands down it’s the funnel cake. Deep fried batter, perfectly golden, hot, oily and delicious – coated with my choice of powdered sugar or sugar & cinnamon. This confection is meant to be eaten melt-in- your mouth bite, by melt-in-your-mouth bite. It is the definition of festival food. But I don’t stop there. Italian sausage with peppers and onions. Abbott’s custard. Roast beef sandwiches. Zweigles red and white hots with diced onions and hot sauce. And sometimes – you can even get a Nick Tahou’s original Garbage Plate (yeah – I capitalized it – the Garbage Plate is a proper pronoun).  Calories don’t count at the Lilac Festival. They’re walked off along the paths and it’s proven that lilac bushes absorb fat cells through osmosis – so take advantage and eat to your heart’s desire.

The Fun

Vendors line the paths along the southern portion of the park – hawking everything from bathroom remodels and hot tub installations to fairy houses. I’ve had my hand crafted into a hot wax statue, purchased a bottle filled with colorful lands of sand, and hired a contractor to install windows in my house all at the festival over given years. But for those of you who don’t want to submit to commercialism, you can find whimsy within the park. There is a sunken garden, an arboretum, a reservoir, a castle, the Lamberton Conservatory and amazing performances at Sahlen’s Center Stage directly north of all the food vendors and west of the super nice restrooms.

After walking amongst nature, my family typically likes to purchase lunch and eat it hillside while listening to one of the many fantastic bands. Sometimes we dance – sometimes we just clap – but the music is always enjoyable. After visiting the pristine restrooms (they are really nice for a festival) – we head over to the Lamberton Conservatory – where you can actually buy one of the lilac plants you admired.  I purchased a “Sensation” lilac bush at a previous festival, which thrived in the backyard of my former home. Rich in fragrance, each flower was edged in white with a gorgeous purple bloom. How I miss this lilac bush. Here’s a hint for those who love to bring lilac blooms into their homes – after pruning the bloom from the stem – hammer the base causing the woody stem to splay – and then put it in the vase with a little bit of sugar. The splayed woody base will provide the blooms with plenty of water keeping them perky.  You’re welcome.

A trip to the sunken garden is a must do for a romantic date – or even a game of hide and seek for the little ones. It’s one of Highland Park’s treasures, and many festival goers completely miss seeking out this gem. The steps are perfect for a shady rest. Pro-tip – grab a lemonade before heading to the sunken garden. The citrus drink provides the perfect accompaniment.

No matter how old or young, the Lilac Festival has so much to offer everyone. Whether you are a lifelong Rochester resident, or a visitor to our fair city – the Lilac Festival is simply not to be missed. I recommend going more than just one day. There is no price for admission and so many aspects of Highland Park beg to be explored and cherished.  This festival has the best value to entertainment ratio of all of the Rochester festivals. Which is why the Lilac Festival is the reigning Queen of the Rochester Festivals and uniquely Rochestarian.