Wilmington,
NC � March 2006 � Flowers, flowers everywhere! It must be springtime in
Historic
Wilmington and North Carolina�s Cape Fear Coast! Pink, white and lavender
blooms provide a colorful backdrop for the historic riverfront city of
Wilmington and the nearby barrier island communities of Carolina Beach,
Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Warm temperatures invite outdoor festivals
that celebrate the region�s rich history, culture and arts, such as the
59th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival, which takes place April 5-9,
2006.
The
North
Carolina Azalea Festival is a tradition that pays homage to spring
and to the millions of glorious azaleas that dominate the landscape. Since
1948, the time-honored festival ushers in spring with Southern hospitality,
fanfare and flair. Festival highlights include Azalea belles, home and
garden tours, parade floats, juried arts and craft shows, contests, visiting
ships, concerts, and a street fair with exhibits, vendors, continuous live
entertainment, children�s activities, Saturday evening fireworks, and more.
This
year�s Azalea Garden Tour (April 7-9) features 11 public and private gardens
with the theme of �Gardens with a Past� (www.azaleagardentour.org).
The 2006 Azalea Home Tour (April 8-9) showcases 11 private homes of historical
and architectural interest (www.historicwilmington.org/hometour2006.htm).
A spectacular parade on Saturday morning (begins at 9:00am) features elaborate
floats, marching bands, clowns, show animals, and local and national celebrities.
This year�s Queen Azalea is actress Tanisha Lynn (pictured
on the left), who is best known as Danielle Frye on ABC�s �All My Children.�
Lynn�s other acting credits include commercials, television and theatrical
appearances, and roles in independent films such as �Robot Stories.�
This
year�s headline performers include �American Idol� sensation Carrie Underwood
(pictured on the right), who will perform on Wednesday, April 5th
at 8:00 p.m. at Trask Coliseum (tickets $45, plus processing fee). On Saturday
evening, April 8th, rhythm and blues superstar Patti LaBelle takes center
stage at Trask Coliseum at 8:00pm (tickets $45, plus fee).
Two-time
Grammy-winning legend Patti LaBelle (pictured on the left) is famous
for classic ballads such as �If Only You Knew,� �You Are My Friend,� �If
You Asked Me To,� and the duet �On My Own� with Michael McDonald. LaBelle
released the introspective masterpiece, �Timeless Journey,� in May 2004
and a collection of remakes, �Classic Moments,� in June 2005. Carrie Underwood�s
meteoric rise to fame is one of television�s true success stories. Prior
to becoming the reigning �American Idol,� she performed at talent shows,
school musicals, county fairs, and church events. She auditioned for �American
Idol� during her first year in college and the rest is history. Carrie�s
first album �Some Hearts� debuted this year and has been in the Top 10
of Billboard�s album chart since its release last fall. Underwood�s first
tour launches in April during the N.C. Azalea Festival and continues through
October.
Other
celebrity guests include hip hop dancer/choreographer Dena Rizzo; boxer
Calvin Brock; UFL running back Tarence Williams (Laney High School/Wake
Forest alumnus); Brigadier General John R. Thomas (USMC, retired), along
with Miss North Carolina 2005 Brooke Elizabeth McLaurin and Miss Greater
Wilmington 2005 Kristen Jeannine Dalton. Accomplished local radio personality
and actress Rhonda Bellamy is this year�s Mistress of Ceremonies and Colonel
Adele E. Hodges is the 2006 Parade Marshal.
The
excitement continues all weekend. For a festival schedule and tickets,
call 910-794-4650 or visit www.ncazaleafestival.org,
or stop by the Festival ticket office (5725 Oleander Drive, Unit B7, Wilmington).
For a free Visitors Guide to Historic Wilmington & North Carolina�s
Cape Fear Coast, please call 1-866-266-9690 or visit www.GoCapeFearCoast.com
for info on accommodations, packages, and things to see and do.
|
Media:
Cape
Fear Coast CVB
Connie
Nelson
Communications
Manager
(910)
341-4030 ext. 20, or
(866)
266-9690
|
The
New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a the Cape Fear Coast
Convention & Visitors Bureau (CFCCVB)
is the official destination marketing organization of New Hanover County
that stimulates economic development through the promotion of travel and
tourism. |
