Easley gives Azalea Festival proclamation

RALEIGH — The Azalea Festival is less than two weeks away and Gov. Mike Easley gave the official proclamation this afternoon to kick off the celebration.

It was a picture perfect day in the governor's yard. It was filled with the festival officers, the court, and some of the belles. The four belles there today represent the 124 in this year's festival. They got a chance to meet the governor as he took the time to talk with the group at his home.

Gov. Easley says the festival helps to showcase not only Wilmington, but the entire state. Although the governor says he usually wants it to rain every day, he hopes the weekend of the festival is dry. He hopes to make it to Wilmington for the festivities, but won't know until the last minute.

"I'm going to try to be there, and I want everyone else to be there and have fun," Easley said.

Festival President Dana Fisher says everything is looking good and on schedule. Some of the most popular events are the concerts. One of those is already sold out, and tickets for the other one are going fast.