Queen Azalea crowned as festival kicks off

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s officially started. The Azalea Festival kicked off Wednesday with a ceremony fit for a queen. Anna Kooiman was crowned the 2016 Queen Azalea this afternoon. Kooiman walked into her coronation with a standing ovation.

The Fox News anchor talked about her love for the Wilmington area as a former UNCW student.

She said she also began her journalism career as a WWAY reporter and she is excited to be back in the Port City.

“I just can’t believe how much Wilmington has grown in just leaps and bounds, and you know this place has really helped to make me how I am,” said Kooiman.

Kooiman said she was a member of the UNCW track team. She said she is really looking forward meeting the team while she is back.