Azalea belles hold orientation to prepare for 2019 festival

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The many faces of the Azalea Festival all under one roof to get their marching orders. One hundred and thirty-five belles will be a part of this year’s garden tour and more for the festival.

The belles and their gowns wow some of the most intimate events of the festival including the multiple garden club tours.

Wednesday night, they learned what gardens they will grace and the various other events they will take part in.

The group represents every New Hanover County high school and several more private schools. This year the belles will also take part in events for causes as well.

“Each year brings new and different things. So we even have some special events we’ve never done this year one is Paws for People,” said Karen Smith who serves as the chair of the Azalea Belles and is a member of the Cape Fear Garden Club.

That’s because one of the belles herself has a service dog. The group of gals also get to make azalea belle history by having their very own Instagram page. Just so you know you can find them @cfgcazaleabelles on the social media app.