Lilac Queen Float Tops 79 Entries in Horse-Drawn Parade
By Jessica Delaney

Leading the Lilac Parade are Don Andress (left), the great-great-great grandson of Chief Mackinac and great nephew of Eagle Eye, and Carl Andress, representing the Mackinac Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians.

The 56th Lilac Festival drew to an end Sunday, June 19, but not before leaving crowds with smiles, laughter, and memories.

This year’s Grand Parade included 79 entries from throughout the state, from local business floats to horses and marching bands, all keeping with this year’s parade theme, “the Lilac Fairy.”

Don Andress, a descendent of Chief Mackinac, led the parade in full Native American dress, accompanied by members of the Mackinac Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, represented by Carl Andress, Tony Miron, and John Perrault.

Mayor Margaret Doud celebrates her 30th anniversary in the parade, riding with Congressman Bart Stupak and his wife, Laurie, who serves on the Mackinac Island State Park Commission.

The Seven Oaks Riders appeared in the parade for the 5th time, with gaily bedecked horses and sequined dresses. It was the first time that all four members of the group were present for the Lilac Parade.

Evenings at Fort Mackinac is the focus of the Mackinac State Historic Parks parade float. Victorian ladies lounge upon the float’s comfortable bed, reading “Lilac Fairy Tales.”

Mackinac State Historic Parks had two entries this year. The Drum & Fife Corps and historic interpreters from the 23d Michigan Regiment played old army songs, while female interpreters rode on the Fort Mackinac float, “Lilac Fairy Tale,” which promoted evenings at the fort. The women read bedtime stories from Andrew Lange’s “The Lilac Fairy.”

Doc’s House of Magic aimed to show people that Elvis is alive and well with its parade entry, which included magic tricks along the parade route and bead necklaces handed out by the King himself.

Girl Scout Troop #327 of Grosse Point is this year’s recipient of the Best Walking Entry award. The 40 girls spent a week at Mackinac State Historic Parks service camp and performed quick walking drills during the parade.

Dogs and ponies made an appearance at the parade, with the Hi-Lite Farms six-horse Haflinger hitch and the carriage from Country Road Haflingers making an impression on crowds. The Dog Scouts of America and Greyhounds of Eastern Michigan also participated in the parade.

This year’s Stella King award recipient is the Lilac Queen and Princess float. Lilac Queen Blisse Beardsley and Princess Shelbie Mosley were able to ride in royal style aboard the float, which was constructed by the Mosley family.

Announcers were set up at Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church, Marquette Park, and Lake View Hotel to tell parade watchers about the individual entries. Judges viewed entries from Lake View Hotel and had the difficult job of determining this year’s winners.

The Scottville Clown Band returns, to the joy of many parade watchers. The band brought up the rear of the parade and led bystanders to Windermere Point, where they performed a free concert.

Marie Steensma was in charge of coordinating this year’s panel of judges. To have a little fun, they did father-daughter judging, with the female judges’ fathers by their sides. A total of seven judges worked on this year’s event.

Each entry is judged on a numerical system from one to ten. Entries are divided into the separate categories, such as float or marching band. The Stella King Award, named in honor of the Lilac Festival founder, is taken from the highest score of all entries.

Ms. Steensma said that much of the judging is also based on presentation.

“The band that stops and plays will, of course, get higher points. We vote, too, on the theme. We want the purples, the theme of the parade, and enthusiasm.”

Although the father-daughter atmosphere was a fun part of the Grand Parade, the judges had one large obstacle to overcome: the weather. Cold winds blowing in caused the judges to bundle up with blankets on laps and hot chocolate or coffee in hands.

The Stella King award this year went to the float for the Lilac Queen and Princess, which was built by the Mosley family. Lilac Queen Blisse Beardsley and Princess Shelbie Mosley sat aboard the float, royalty in front of a castle. Judges applauded the float for being beautifully decorated and for 100 percent effort in the construction of the float.

The Grand Award, which celebrates the spirit of Mackinac and the spirit of the Festival, went to the Grand Traverse Pipe Band. It was their first time in the Grand parade.

The award for Best Theme went to four time winner Mission Point Resort, whose float featured a large presentation of the Lady of the Fountain.

The award for the Best Marching Band was given to the Sault Ste Marie Pipe Band. The best musical entry went to the Scottville Clown Band, which has consistently captured this award.

The Parade began at Mission Point Resort. Floats, carriages, and walking entries assembled on Mission Point’s lawn and picked up the marching bands as they began down Main Street. The Parade finished at Windermere Point. Those watching the parade were encouraged to step in behind the Scottville Clown Band, which was the final entry in the parade. The band then performed a free concert for all those assembled at Windermere Point.

Following the Parade was the final event of the Lilac Festival, the raffle drawing. Raffle tickets cost $100 each, and went to support the costs of the festival. The grand prize of $5,000 went to a split ticket between Fritz and Lindsay George and Ray and Linda Moss. Tim Leeper received the $3,000 second place, and Tom Lewand was the third place winner of $2,000.

Sidebar: Complete Parade Results

Stella King Award - Lilac Festival Queen and Princess

Grand Award - Grand Traverse Pipe & Drums Band

Best Parade Theme - Mission Point Resort

Most Humorous - Allied EMS

Best Lil’ Lilac - Shaggy the Terrier, dressed as Raspberry Worm

Best Bicycle - Orr Kid’s Bikes

Best Carriage - The Gift Horse Hitch

Best Equestrian - Seven Oaks Riders

Best Float - Horn’s Bar - Yankee Rebel Tavern

Humanitarian Award - Greyhounds of Eastern Michigan

Best Walking Entry - Girl Scout Troop 327

Best Marching Band - Sault Ste. Marie Pipe Band

Best Musical Entry - Scottville Clown Band