Those of us who grew up in the Midwest know that the scent of lilacs means spring has finally arrived.

One of the best places to catch the “show” is Lilacia Park, 150 South Park Avenue, Lombard, Illinois (map). Just follow the scent to the city park where some 200 different varieties bloom (with luck) during Lilac Time in Lombard, which runs from Saturday (May 4, 2013) through May 19, 2013.

The festival includes concerts in the park, the coronation of a lilac queen, craft fair, beer and wine tastings, guided walking tours and lilacs for sale. The final day includes a parade.

There is an admission charge for some of the festival events.

The Lombard Park District’s Lilacia Park is an 8.5-acre horticultural showcase on 8.5 acres, featuring 800 lilac bushes and 25,000 tulips. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

(Photo by Majoros Attila)