Supporting a Beloved Lilac Season Tradition

Through the TriMetrix Cares Ambassador program, TriMetrix employees are encouraged to spend one paid eight-hour workday every six months volunteering for a nonprofit they care about.

Earlier this month, Senior Graphic Designer Dianne Hlinsky volunteered in support of the Lombard Lilac Festival Parade. Lombard, Illinois, is proudly known as the “Lilac Village,” a nickname inspired by Lilacia Park, the community’s historic garden established in 1927. Each spring, the village celebrates “Lilac Time,” a three-week event featuring more than 700 blooming lilacs and culminating in the annual parade through downtown Lombard.

The parade route spans approximately 1.5 miles along the town’s main corridor and includes more than 130 parade entries, making communication an important part of keeping the event running smoothly. As an amateur radio operator, Dianne helped provide reliable, real-time communication between parade officials, staging areas, and operators stationed along the route. Even with today’s cellular technology, amateur radio plays an important role in sharing updates about parade movement, safety concerns, emergency issues, and logistical needs so organizers can respond quickly and help keep the event safe and well-coordinated.

“Volunteering for the Lilac Parade is a meaningful way to give back to the community while sharing the value of amateur radio at local events,” Dianne said. “Each year, I find it especially rewarding to use my skills, work alongside fellow volunteers and public safety personnel, and help support a beloved community tradition during lilac season.”