Azalea Festival named NC’s official spring celebration? It could happen!

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Azalea Festival is one step closer to becoming the official celebration of spring in North Carolina.

Representative Ted Davis introduced House Bill 992 as well as recognizing the festival as the state’s official celebration of spring.

The bill would also provide $10,000 from the state’s general fund to promote the festival.

The Azalea Festival has been held annually since 1948 and has an economic impact of more than $50 million to the region.

If enacted, the bill would go into effect July 1.

The bill now moves to the House Appropriations Committee.