North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade brings color and celebration to Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– From Azaleas to Queens, everything you can think of showed up at the North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade.

On Saturday morning, hundreds crowded the streets on Third Street to see the vibrant azaleas featured on a variety of floats with different themes, including pirate, clown and princess designs.

Emily Quinn attended the parade for the first time and said she was amazed by the different floats.

“It was incredible to see all the different colors and themes,” Quinn said. “I think my favorite one would have to be the one with all the Azalea Princesses.”

The festival was emceed by WWAY’s Jessica Keisling and Matt Bennett. The parade also featured special appearances by Lee Haywood, Jason Korver, Jeff Rivenbark, Kamy Smelser and Bryan Alonso.