LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the Annual Rochester Lilac Festival
to be held May 10-19, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations, individuals and events that are devoted to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the Annual Rochester Lilac Festival to be held May 10-19, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The only 10 day free festival of its kind in North America,
the Annual Rochester Lilac Festival is inspired by a magnificent lilac
collection in Highland Park, Rochester, New York, that plays host to
over 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes; and
WHEREAS, This art, music, food and flora festival hosted annually in
early May, draws spectators from all over the world; and
WHEREAS, One of its region's most anticipated events, the Lilac
Festival serves as the unofficial start of the Rochester area's summer
festival season; the festivities include the Lilac Parade and the Lilac
Queen, a set of 5- and 10-kilometer runs, a Wine and Chocolate Tasting,
a Craft Beer Garden, and Art in the Park, as well as Demonstration Stag-
es featuring gardening tips and woodworking, and a mini amusement park
for the children; furthermore, a myriad of food vendors' tents and live
musical performances will take place during this extravagant event; and
WHEREAS, In 1888, nurserymen George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry
endowed the Rochester community with 20 acres of gently rolling hills
that are now known as Highland Park; and
WHEREAS, It was noted as one of the nation's first municipal arbore-
tums; renowned park designer Frederick Law Olmsted was responsible for
final development of Highland Park; and
WHEREAS, The park's lilac collection was started by horticulturist
John Dunbar in 1892 with 20 varieties, some of which were descendants of
slips of native Balkan Mountain flowers that were carried to the new
world by early colonists; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Rochester
Lilac Festival; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization and event of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to
our attention, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the Annual Rochester Lilac Festival to be held May 10-19,
2013; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jeff Springut, Producer, 2013 Rochester Lilac Festival.