Tall ship visit, Queen’s court, parking info announced for Azalea Festival

THIS INFORMATION FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM

WILMINGTON, NC (AZALEA FESTIVAL) -– All law-abiding and loyal citizens are urged to be vigilant and alert to the presence on your coast of the weatherly, fast, and heavily armed Clipper Schooner Lynx. The 122-foot square top sail schooner Lynx will be sailing into Wilmington for the first time on Thursday, April 7 at 12:00 pm. Join the flotilla as she fires a salute from her main battery of 6-pounder carronades upon her grand entrance into Wilmington.

“We are very excited for our visit to Wilmington, and want to thank wholeheartedly our Hosts, R.T. from the City Dock, Azalea Festival and City of Wilmington. It is through their generous support that Wilmington residents will have the chance to walk the decks and step back in time aboard Lynx, America’s National Treasure.” said Jeffrey Woods, Director Operations for Lynx Educational Foundation.

The celebrated War of 1812 privateer square top sail schooner has arrived on the East Coast from Hawaii & California and is scheduled for a five-year mission along the East Coast of the United States, the Great Lakes and Canada, where she will be participating in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner.

Don’t miss this photo opportunity as we relive history.

The 114-ton Lynx is an interpretation of a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812. She is fitted with period ordnance and flies pennants and flags from the 1812 era making her one of the first ships to defend our freedom. The Lynx crew wear period dress and operate the ship in keeping with the maritime traditions of early 19th Century America. Lynx represents a “letter of Marque” Baltimore Clipper, considered to be among the finest privateer schooners ever built. Because of their swiftness and maneuverability, these ships were most effective as blockade runners and offensive weapons of war.

Students and adults will recognize the War of 1812 as a significant element of American heritage and as a turning point in the development of our national identity. The educational early American history and science programs that are taught aboard Lynx meet specific State Standards.

Lynx has been awarded the 2011 Nautical Maritime Historical Society’s Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Education.

The Privateer Lynx will be offering Educational Public Ship Tours beginning on April 7th. Climb aboard and step back in time as you relive history and feel the adventure. Join the crew and hoist the sails, steer the ship, fire the main battery of six-pounder carronades and experience first hand life aboard a traditional, square topsail schooner. Get ready to rumble as you and your kids take part in this unique, interactive sailing adventure. On decks and below Lynx evokes the life, spirit, and atmosphere of a vanished age of sail. Lynx is available for school field trips, private charters, team building, and receptions.
The Privateer Lynx was hired to train the cast and crew of the hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

Lynx Schedule: April 7 – 17
Thursday, April 7th – 12 pm – Grand arrival with cannon salute
1pm – 6pm – Public Ship Tours – Donations accepted
April 8 – 17 – Closed Monday
10am – 6pm – Public Ship Tours – Donations accepted

Ship Location: Riverfront Park – North Water Street between Market Street & Princess Street, adjacent to Federal Courthouse
Come sail with us on a Port to Port Passage. Be a part of the crew on this unique experience.
April 19 – 21 Wilmington to Beaufort

For reservations please call 866-446-5969 (PST) or visit www.privateerlynx.org for online ticketing.
The LYNX operates under the auspices of the Lynx Educational Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit, organization, dedicated to hands-on educational programs that teach early American history. The Maritime challenges during the War of 1812 are taught aboard the American Privateer Lynx utilizing a comprehensive, interactive program designed to enrich personal achievement through teamwork and the discipline of sail training.

QUEEN’S COURT
The 2011 Azalea Festival’s Queen’ Court will consist of Kelsey Norkett, Miss Concord, escorted by Cadet Brendan Prince; Sarah Southard, Miss Queen City, escorted by Cadet William Madsen; Zelle Brown, Miss Garner, escorted by Cadet Tyler Bahnmuller; Leah King, Miss Greater Sandhills, escorted by Cadet Justin Wilson; Katie Mills, Miss Fayetteville, escorted by Cadet Brad Strausbaugh; Mary Catherine Tucker, Miss Coastal Carolina, escorted by Cadet Cristopher Musselwhite; Amanda Sowards, Miss Mecklenburg County, escorted by Cadet Tyler Coates; Brittney Summers, Miss Stanly County, escorted by Cadet Wesley Dempster and Megan Everette, Miss Greater Wilmington, escorted by Cadet Tyler Thornton.
Photos will be provided upon request..

PARKING IN DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON
New to the festival this year:
Access to parking decks from 5th and Chestnut and 4th and 5th and Grace. Chestnut and Grace open from 6am to 8:15am. Each street provides entry to City and/or County decks on 2nd Street. Over 1000 spaces available.

Cars CANNOT leave parking decks until parade is over and streets reopen. Barricaded streets are anticipated to be reopened on or before 1pm.