ROCHESTER, N.Y. — While the Lilac Festival is a Rochester favorite, it was also a favorite for some to spend Mother’s Day.

“You can do activities together, you know really meaningful activities. What is better than for you, mother and daughter, to bond over a stroll, walking purposefully looking at lilacs,” said Nita Brown, a volunteer for Visit Rochester and owner of Mansawear, a custom-made garment company in Rochester.  

And for Nita Brown and her daughter Mansa, it’s a way to spend the day doing something for both themselves and the community. 

“I decided to volunteer for Visit Rochester and man a booth to tell people about Rochester,” Nita said.

“I don’t see my mom very often and this was something she seemed very excited, she wanted to do,” said her daughter Mansa Brown-Tonge.

It made Mother's Day about less than just gifts.

“I think [for] Mother's Day, people always place significance on the gifts, and taking your mother out to a nice dinner but I think the important thing is just spending time with her,” Mansa said. 

“You drag your teenage daughter or young adult to come and volunteer and we receive so much throughout the year," Nita said. "So I would just say giving back and giving back in a fun way."

“She really appreciates spending time with me and she also really appreciates seeing me grow and seeing me succeed,” said Mansa. 

They said the festival was a perfect way to get outside and spend that quality time.

"You can walk around, talk to her, you can take pictures with her and the lilacs," Mansa said.

And it can be the perfect way to bond, whether enjoying the music, or volunteering.

“We also bonded over something we love, the city of Rochester,” said Nita.

“Whenever my mom needs me I try to be there for her," Mansa said. "Because it's just both of us, you know, it's just me and her against the world. So when she needs me I'm there for her."