The 67th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival

Come experience the culture, history and excitement of Southern Tradition throughout the 67^th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival!

There are so many different events throughout the weeks leading up to the festival, there is surely something for everyone.

April 5^th– Azalea 5K/10K/Fun Walk

Registration is from 7 – 7:30am and Start Time is 8am

Hosted by the Cape Fear Volunteer Center, this lively run welcomes runners, children, costumes and your dog! In order to receive an event t-shirt, please be sure to register in advance! The event will be held at the TrySports Field at Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington. All proceeds from the race benefit the Cape Fear Volunteer Center Big Buddy Program. For more information and to register, please visit:

http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/events/azalea-5k10kfun-walk-2013/

April 9^th – The Queen’s Coronation

The event starts at 3pm at the Wilmington Convention Center’s Great Lawn and admission is free.

This event is where the Queen is officially crowned the North Carolina Azalea Festival Queen Azalea. This is your chance to rub elbows with city officials, board members, other local celebrities and the Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Belles. Once the festivities are complete, guests will watch from the river walk as the official party disembarks on the Henrietta III. Be sure to get there early to get a good spot!

April 9^th – 13^th – Visiting Ships

Each year, during the festival, ships from around the world join in celebration here in Wilmington. Take some time to visit these ships while they are docked along the Cape Fear River. This year, a special guest” is the USCGC Staten Island: open to the public for tours Saturday and Sunday (12^th and 13^th) from 12pm -6pm.

April 10^th – 13^th – Cole Bros. Circus Big Top

A festival favorite, with an array of exotic animals and talented acrobats, clowns and costumed characters; this two hour performance is sure to please kids and kids at heart!

Tickets are:

Adult: $25 Child/Senior: $20

The hours are below:

Thursday, April 10, 2014- 4:30pm & 7:30pm

Friday, April 11, 2014- 4:30pm & 7:30pm

Saturday, April 12, 2014- 1:30pm, 4:30pm & 7:30pm

Sunday, April 13, 2014- 1:30pm, 4:30pm

April 11^th – Airlie Luncheon Garden Party

This private party is a chance for sponsors and dignitaries of the festival get together in their finest spring garb of big hats, seersucker suits and bow ties to network and talk about the great year ahead! If you would like a chance to be a part of this – click the link below for sponsorship opportunities!

http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/sponsorship/

April 11^th – 13^th – Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour

Sponsored by the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc., this tour is one of the longest running and most popular garden tours in the South. It has even been featured in Southern Living Magazine! Tickets for this tour are available at the Festival office, 5725 Oleander Drive, B7 or by phone (910-794-4650) and are $25 per ticket.

April 11^th – 13^th – Street Fair

Lots of vendors, food and entertainment! The street fair is a free, family event. Located on Water, Front and Market Streets, there will be lots going on here! For more information re. the events, stage schedules, etc. please visit the site below:

http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/events/street-fair-2014/

April 11^th – 13^th - Concert Series

Kicking off the annual concert series this year will be Justin Moore, Randy Houser, and Josh Thompson for the Off the Beaten Path Tour beginning at 8pm on the Miller Lite Main Stage. For ticket purchases, visit the site below:

http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1800393

There has been a lot of excitement this year surrounding the anticipation of Widespread Panic’s concerts (yes, that’s TWO concerts) on the Miller Lite Main Stage. The band will take the stage on Friday and Saturday night at 8pm. Hurry up and get your tickets – they won’t last long!

http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/events/widespread-panic/

Also – please check the event site for details re. the venue, food and beverage options, etc.

April 12^th – 13^th - Historic Home Show

Want to take a peek inside some of Wilmington’s most amazing historic homes? Be sure to hop on this tour. You won’t be disappointed! For ticket information, please click the link below:

http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/events/historic-home-tour-2014/

April 12^th – Parade

Complete with floats, marching bands, horses, and of course, the Azalea Queen and her court – the parade is the cherry on top of this wonderful week of celebration! It takes place on Saturday the 12^th from 9am until noon along 3^rd Street in downtown Wilmington. Be sure to grab a blanket or chairs and have a seat along the street side and enjoy the show.

If you would like more information about these events or to buy or sell a home in the Wilmington, NC area, please give me a call! Carrie Upchurch 910-833-4947