Island Stores Vie for Lilac Acclaim

For over 20 years, Island stores have been given a challenge during lilac festival to create the most lilac inspired window to fit with that year’s theme.

This year, the theme is the Lilac Fairy, based on Victorian literature and stores are going all out to have the most festive window.

According to Tourism Bureau Director Mary Slevin, 15 to 20 stores take part in the contest each year.

Buzz Waggoner, who owns La Galerie on Market Street, said that he has been decorating his store window for 13 seasons. “It’s just fun to do,” he said, and he and his staff love the feedback they get from shoppers.

Everyone is welcome to pick their favorite window. Judging forms can be picked up at the Tourism Bureau on Main Street.

The votes will be tallied, and the store with the winning window will be notified on June 18.

In addition, all voters will be entered into a drawing for accommodations for two nights on Mackinac Island, two Mackinac Island Carriage Tour tickets, and two Arnold Line Ferry tickets for the 2006 season in gratitude for their participation and their lilac spirit.