This week its Wilmington’s much anticipated and largest celebration, the Azalea Festival! Founded in 1948, the annual event, named for the flowers found all over town, has become a week filled with special events, fairs, concerts, art, a parade, and southern hospitality. Over 200,000 are estimated to visit the two-day street fair in downtown Wilmington and over 100,000 attend the Festival Parade. Often ranked as an event in the Top 20 Events according to the Southeast Tourism Society, the Azalea Festival is fun for everyone.
There are over 50 events that take place at the Azalea Festival, which start on Wednesday with the Queen’s Coronation. This year’s queen is Anna Kooiman, an anchor on Fox and Friends Weekend and a general news reporter for FOX News Channel, who got her start on our local station WWAY.
The Airlie Luncheon Garden Party, one of the most popular events, takes place on Friday with over 2,500 guests attending. Also, there are the historic home and garden tours which take place all weekend long and give you a chance to look at the some the oldest houses and gorgeous gardens in the area. The Juried Art Show, which features over 100 artists, will take place Friday until Sunday at the Hannah Block Community Arts Center. This week the circus will also be in town located at the ILM Airport. Additionally, there are concerts held all weekend.
The Azalea Festival Street Fair has over 330 arts and craft vendors, 40 food vendors, 2 stages, and a children’s area. The fair starts Friday night 6:00 until 10:00 and continues on Saturday from 10:00AM until 10:00PM and Sunday from 10:00AM until 6:00PM. Also, happening downtown is the parade, with floats, marching bands, clowns, horses, visiting celebrities, and the Azalea Festival Court. The parade will start at 9:30AM on Saturday and end at 11:30AM. Also, happening on Friday at the fireworks at 9:00PM over the Cape Fear River.
Posted by