The idea to promote Spokane as “The Lilac City” came in the early 1930s when the local garden club was encouraged by community leaders to plant lilac bushes throughout the City. By 1938, there were 144 in Manito Park. The annual Spokane Lilac Festival has been a spring tradition since 1938.
Are lilacs native to Spokane?
Lilacs aren’t native to Spokane area. They were first brought to North America by colonists in the 1700s. The Lilac Festival cites local legend, saying the first lilac bush was brought to the area from Minnesota in 1882.
What is Spokane best known for?
It is known as the birthplace of Father’s Day, and locally by the nickname of “Lilac City”. Officially, Spokane goes by the nickname of Hooptown USA, due to Spokane annually hosting Spokane Hoopfest, the world’s largest basketball tournament.
What do you call someone from Spokane?
A person who lives in or comes from Spokane, Washington, is known as a Spokanite.
What does the name Spokane mean?
Children of the Sun
Spokane Area History
Spokane’s first residents were Native American. From the Spokanes, we get our name, which means “Children of the Sun.” Spokane became an incorporated City on Nov. 29, 1881, encompassing 1.56 square miles. Back then, the City was known as Spokan Falls and had 350 residents.
Is Spokane worth visiting?
While the city is home to the botanical gardens of Manito Park and the downtown Riverfront Park, the Spokane Valley and surrounding mountains hold some of Washington’s wonders. Just nine miles northwest of the city is the largest state park in Washington, the Riverside State Park.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Spokane WA?
Historic Spokane Park Neighborhoods
Some of Spokane’s most vibrant spring blooms can be found in the gardens around Spokane’s neighborhood parks, well-loved and tended to by homeowners. Consider a walk or drive in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding Comstock, Cannon Hill, Audubon, Corbin, and Polly Judd parks.
Why is Spokane so popular?
Why do locals love Spokane? It may depend on who you ask but most will tell you it’s because of the abundance of outdoor recreation, numerous waterways within a close driving distance, arts and culture, a plethora of breweries and wineries, and a rich food scene in the vibrant downtown core.
Why is Spokane so special?
The Spokane river attracted settlers for its hydroelectric potential as well as its rugged beauty and life-sustaining qualities. Spokane was primarily known for its natural resources: farms, forests, fur, and mines, as well as being a railroad hub for shipping.
What is it like living in Spokane?
Residents appreciate the small-town atmosphere with the advantage of big-city amenities. Individual neighborhoods foster a strong sense of community and make Spokane a great place to live.
Who is a famous woman from Spokane?
Vicki McNeill broke a major gender barrier in 1985 when she became the first woman elected mayor of Spokane. Her four-year term was rocky as she endured death threats and a failed recall attempt.
What is Spokane known for food?
Spokane is named a top foodie destination; also worthy of thanks – fried chicken, Thai food and pho.
What is the traditional diet of the Spokane people?
The food of the Spokane tribe included salmon and trout and a variety of meats from the animals and birds they hunted. They supplemented their protein diet with roots, seeds, nuts and fruits. What weapons did the Spokane use?
What is the largest employer in Spokane?
The top employers in Spokane are the State of Washington, Spokane Public Schools, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, and the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. Spokane’s top employer is the State of Washington, with an estimated 10,000 employees based in Spokane.
What is the oldest building in Spokane WA?
Centennial Celebrations
The oldest listed building is the 1879 Strong House while the “newest” building is the Foltz House, built in 1958. That’s almost 80 years of Spokane’s history told through the built environment!
Is Spokane a Native American name?
Everybody knows what “Spokane” means. Look it up in any encyclopedia, textbook or place-name guide: It’s an Indian word meaning “children of the sun.”
What is halfway between Spokane and Seattle?
Halfway between Spokane, WA and Seattle, WA
The best city between Spokane, WA and Seattle, WA to meet is Ellensburg, Washington which is about 27 miles from the exact midpoint. The town that marks the exact halfway point is actually Vantage, Washington. The closest zip code to the midpoint is 98824.
What is the best time to visit Spokane WA?
The best time to visit Spokane is from late June to early September. In Spokane, the summer months are warm, dry, and mostly clear. On average, Spokane gets 171 sunny days per year. Winters are cold and cloudy but, we get an average of 44 inches of snow every year.
Is there anything to do in Spokane?
Hiking is by far one of the most popular things to do in Spokane. The Mount Spokane State Park is home to tons of trails, but if you’re looking for a more “family friendly” path, look towards the Quartz Mountain Lookout Trail.
Does Seattle have cherry blossoms?
Flowering cherry trees burst into bloom, usually from mid-March through mid-April throughout the Pacific Northwest. Exactly when depends on the variety: early blooming versus late blooming. Seattle cherry blossom season begins with (red/pink) buds that burst into (pink/white) flower.
Where is cherry blossom Festival?
National Cherry Blossom FestivalEvent locations