Stores Compete With Creativity, Imagination for Lilac Recognition

The 57th Annual Lilac Festival marks more than 20 years of hard work by many Island stores to create the most lilac inspired window to go along with the festival theme.

This year, the theme is the Loon Feather, based on a book by late Island resident Iola Fuller McCoy, which celebrates both the American Indian and European heritage of Mackinac Island.

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

Everyone is welcome to pick their favorite window. Ballots 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 June 16. Winning stores will receive a plaque for their windows, commemorating their creativity.

All voters will be entered into a drawing for a two-night

stay for two, including ferry tickets and a carriage tour, for the 2007 season in gratitude for their participation and lilac spirit.