Lilac Festival organizers revealed new details about the annual event on Wednesday.
The popular Wine Tasting, Craft Beer, and Bloody Mary expos are all returning. The organizers also unveiled this year’s poster by Rochester artist Alison Cote, a Rochester native who specializes in creating images with an old-school flare.
“It’s a huge honor,” said Cote. “I honestly feel like I’ve peaked, in terms of what I can do in Rochester. This is it.”
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said she’s excited about the festival’s growth. But she said her favorite part is the food.
“So I go every night and I try to visit a different vendor every time,” said Dinolfo. “But I encourage people to come out and try everything. And if you see me, challenge me to a garbage plate. I’m up for the challenge.”
Mark Quinn, Monroe County’s superintendent of horticulture, put everyone at ease during his annual report on the state of the lilacs. He said he expects that the flowers will be in full bloom by the start of the festival.
“Lilacs, kinda like Rochesterians, are tough,” said Quinn. “We weather winter well, but we love the spring and so do they.”
This year’s festival begins May 10 and runs through May 19.
