Spokane, Washington/Tallahassee, Florida

I originally wrote this article for a call for content, but decided not to submit it. It was interesting to me to learn about another zip's annual festivities. I learned something about Spokane, Washington that I didn't know before. To be honest, I never heard of Spokane, Washington. I'm interested in learning about other zips I never heard of. Once a similar call for content is requested for another zip, I will submit it. I thought I would share this article with other AC members and readers. I also included an annual event happening in my zip this weekend. Enjoy.

Signature Local Event for Zip 99224, Spokane, Washington

The signature local event for zip 99224, Spokane, Washington is The Lilac Bloomsday Run, presented by The Lilac Bloomsday Association. This event is held the first Sunday of every May. This year will be the 32nd running of the Lilac Bloomsday 12k run/walk, which will be held on May 4, 2008. There will also be bands, drummers, dancers and other performers to entertain participants during the run.

The Lilac Bloomsday Run began in the late 1970s when the running boom was sweeping the nation. A local runner, by the name of Don Kardong, suggested to a local reporter that Spokane have a downtown run in 1976. Mr. Kardong competed in several national class road races and in the 1976 Olympic Marathon. On May 1, 1977, there were more than 1,000 runners participating in the first Bloomsday Run. In 1978 there were more than 5,000 runners. The Bloomsday field has grown during the years, reaching an all-time high of 61,298 runners in 1996. The Lilac Bloomsday Run has added prize money for top runners and wheelchair racers, and attracts the world's top competitors. Bloomsday has been a member of the ARRA and PRRO Circuits of major U.S. running events, and in 1996 Bloomsday hosted the first PRRO World Road Running Championships. The Bloomsday run has been featured in Runner's World and The Runner magazines, in addition to ESPN, Fox Sports Northwest, and the Outdoor Life Network. Visit their website for additional information: www.bloomsday.org

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Signature Local Event for Zip 32399, Tallahassee, Florida

The signature local event for my zip 32399, Tallahassee, Florida is Springtime Tallahassee. This event occurs in March. This year's 40th Annual Springtime Tallahassee Grand Parade celebration will be held March 28-30, 2008. The parade will be held on March 29, 2008.

Springtime Tallahassee is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast, being voted one of the top 20 events in Florida. The festival includes a parade with more than 70,000 participants, Jubilee in the Park, a Children's Park, four entertainment stages and national entertainment. There are over 200,000 visitors in the Tallahassee area during this event. Springtime Tallahassee is the Capital City's premier festival. This family event is enjoyed by every woman, man, boy and girl of any age. Participants enjoy trying to grab the candy, beads and other goodies thrown to the crowd from the floats or parade participants. The Grand Parade includes colorful floats, arts and crafts, marching bands, local businesses and food. As the parade travels through downtown Tallahassee, there are many sights, sounds and activities for every participant to have fun and enjoy--by either watching or participating.
View their website for additional information: www.springtimetallahassee.