At 9 a.m. Monday, May 7, the year's first cannon boom echoed through Mackinac Island city streets, signaling the opening of Fort Mackinac. The cannon was fired by Lilac Queen Melissa Bunker. The life-long Island resident is scheduled to crown her successor Friday, June 8, the first day of the festival. This year will mark the 58th Lilac Festival, which runs until June 17. Soldier interpreters Craig Wilson (left) and Joe Frost stand at attention.