North Carolina has always been known for its true southern charm and a culture steeped in tradition. One town, in particular, Wilmington, has gone above and beyond, to showcase its natural beauty since 1948. 70 years ago, a man by the name of Dr. Houston Morton, had the idea of turning North Carolina wilderness into something beautiful. With the help of organizations and clubs, he organized the first North Carolina Azalea Festival. What started as a simple landscape endeavor has since then bloomed into something amazing. Each year people come from all corners of the states to witness the beauty of Wilmington’s Gardens as well as surrounding areas. Wilmington’s community comes together to bring art shows, contests and even a coronation of their very own Azalea Queen and Princess, two lucky women, who exemplify the Wilmington standard.
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Also involved in this glorious festival, are the belles of Wilmington, members of the Cape Fear Garden Club. These young ladies dress in garb appropriate to the classic Southern aristocracy. There are special events such as The Juried Art Show and Sale, where numerous North Carolina artists will gather together to show their beautiful creations. There are other spectacles to witness as well, like the festival’s parade, where magnificent floats from many sponsors will grace the streets of historic downtown Wilmington, as well as street performances and many unique vendors. There will also be headline acts that will bring the house down during the Azalea Festival.
The 2018 Entertainment Lineup includes:
Thursday, April 12: Billy Currington with Drake White and Kenton Bryant
Friday, April 13: 38 Special with Tuesdays Gone
Saturday: April 14: Ludacris with Childish Major and The Old School Concert
Sunday, April 15: 98.3 The Penguin Presents Dark Star Orchestra
There is also the After Garden Get Down, a dockside party open to the public after the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party, a prestigious and private event, where the Citadel Summerall Guards perform at Arlie Gardens.
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The fun doesn’t end there! Enjoy tasty events like the Chef’s Showcase, where all the best eateries in Wilmington come together to put their best plates forward for your enjoyment, as well as the Multicultural Stage, a free event, showcasing all of the different cultures that thrive in the area with unique and amazing art forms like dance and costuming. For those who are new to the North Carolina Azalea Festival, why not try The Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour, running from April 13-15? If you need another way to keep your blood pumping, you can also join the Parade Mile, a fun race along the parade route, or the Historic Home Tour in which you can visit an age of the past, thanks to the Historic Wilmington Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving beautiful antique properties. If you’re still looking for knockout entertainment there is even a boxing tournament.
North Carolina's Azalea Festival will bloom once again for a weekend that is streaming with opportunities for fun and new experiences! There is entertainment, a parade, chef's showcase and entertainment all three days.
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Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay
