The eighth annual Lilac Festival is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (May 11, 2013) in Defiance, Ohio (map).

Always held the second weekend of May, it takes place along Clinton Street downtown.

The lilac, the official flower of Defiance, is celebrated with all sorts of activities, including an arts and crafts fair, a 5K race, the Power of Purple Parade and live music.

A bonus, Road Trips Gardeners: the first 500 attendees will receive free lilacs.

It’s sponsored by the Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau.