From the coronation of a new Lilac Queen to the annual Grand Parade, the 10 days of Mackinac Island's 59th Annual Lilac Festival will be filled with activities celebrating the Island and its bountiful lilacs. The 2008 Lilac Festival will start this Friday, June 6, offering daily activities, including musical guests, wine and beer tastings, and walking tours that highlight the Island's lilacs as well as its historical and natural sites.

Acomplete schedule of events is available at the tourism bureau on Main Street or online at mackinacislandlilacfestival.com. Some festival highlights follow:

Coronation of the Lilac Queen: June 6

The 59th Lilac Festival will start at 5:30 p.m. with the crowning of the new Lilac Queen in Marquette Park by Mayor Margaret Doud. The coronation ceremony will be followed by a reception at Patrick Sinclair's Irish Pub.

Screening of "Ice Bridge: Mackinac Island's Hidden Season": June 6

An independent film about winter on the Island will premiere at 9 p.m. at Mission Point Theater. The documentary highlights life on Mackinac Island and traces the formation of the winter ice bridge.

Lilac Festival 10K Run/Walk, Lil' Lilac Kids Race: June 7

The annual Lilac Festival 10K race starts at 9:30 a.m. at Windermere Point. The race course winds through the downtown area and through the wooded center of the Island, finishing at Mackinac Island Public School. Race check-in is at 8 a.m. at the school. A children's Lil' Lilac Kids Race, begins at 11 a.m., and will be in the school area. Late registration is still available for both events at www.runmackinac. com.

Walk and Talk with Lilacs: Periodically throughout Festival

Walking tours of many of the Island's lilac locations will depart from Marquette Park at various times throughout the festival. Jeff Young of the International Lilac Society will lead tours.

Lilac Festival Golf Tournament: June 9

The festival's annual golf tournament will be at Grand Hotel "Jewel Nine" at 5:30 p.m. To register, call the hotel at 847-3331.

Taste of Mackinac: June 12

Taste of Mackinac celebrates the skills of Island chefs, and will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbour View Inn.

Feast of Epona: June 13

The Feast of Epona Blessing of the Animals will be at 5 p.m. at the Mission Hill Stables, to celebrate Epona, the Roman and Celtic goddess of horses and protector of animals. Prior to the blessing, 4-H members will hold a lemonade fundraiser and stable tour at 4 p.m. A silent auction and wine tasting fundraiser for 4-H will be Tuesday, June 10, at 2 p.m. at Seabiscuit Cafe.

Epona and Barkus Parade/Dog and Pony Show: June 14

The Epona and Barkus Parade will take place at 1 p.m. at the boardwalk in conjunction with the fourth annual Dog and Pony Show at 1:30 p.m., at Windermere Point. Registration is available on site.

Lilac Festival Grand Parade: June 15

The Lilac Festival will end with the Grand Parade at 5 p.m., which is a change from previous years. The parade will be led again by Don and Carl Andress Bob Hughey, who was in the first Lilac Festival parade, will be this year's Grand Marshal. The parade is expected to draw 72 entries, and the theme is Saturday Morning Cartoons.