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We went last year. Good turnout, lots of food, vendors, shows and music. The festival is in Highland park which has one of the largest lilac collections in the world.
As a kid growing up in Rochester and surrounding area, I enjoyed the trips to Highland during the Lilac Festival. Those lilacs sure smelled nice altho an occasional bee would be zipping around. Gotta watch out for them
Moved out of NY in late 70's. Have visited before but not for very long and not for any festivities - like the "Lilac Festival".
One of these days [this year or next year, maybe?] I'll get my DH and I to go up for the Lilac Festival.
It gets old pretty fast if you go alone. Go with a friend or family and buy from the local vendors while listening to live music and it's more fun. I think last year there was a race held on the last day of the festival. You might get to meet the newscast too...
My co-worker brought in a bouquet of lilacs last week (they don't grow out here) and the smell just took me right back to my childhood days in Fairport and our lilac bushes in the yard...sweet memories.
You may want to take the shuttle during peak hours. Otherwise, go during the day during the week, and park and walk. I used to park on S. Goodman, between Highland and Elmwood during the week to get lunch, there.
Lots of choices in the food tent. Salt potatoes, BBQ, Red Osier, etc. The Vietnam Memorial next to the festival is nice, too. Walk across Highland Ave. to the main part of the park to see the lilac. If you're up for it, walk to the top of Reservoir Hill for the view.
Lots of live music goes on there, too. Get a schedule and take your pick of decent to good bands, if that's your thing.
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