Rochester’s largest festival draws thousands of visitors from all over the country to see the beautiful lilacs in bloom.

For some, the Lilac Festival is a longstanding tradition and for others who’ve moved away, it’s an event they’ve longed to experience again. One woman intentionally planned her trip around the festival and says it’s the first time she’s been back for it since she moved to Texas 40 years ago.

“Well it brings back a lot of memories because my children, especially my three oldest and my youngest too, we always came up here around Mother’s Day and we just always loved it,” said Marilyn Deichmiller.

Another reason it’s a special trip for Marilyn is because she’s also meeting her great grandchildren for the first time.

“It’s just a joy, a joy to see something beautiful and of course a joy to be with family. We all have the love of lilacs,” added Deichmiller.

When Marilyn lived in Rochester, she kept lilacs in her backyard and wishes she could grow them in Texas.

 “But I can’t grow them in Texas. I did try. My daughters tried again and one time when I was here, I brought one back and it just did not survive,” added Deichmiller.

Many participants are experiencing the festival for the first time and say they hope to see more of the lilacs in bloom as the week goes on. The 120^th Rochester Lilac Festival is open every day through May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.