Tradition rolls on with the Azalea Festival Parade

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The parade has come and gone, but the Azalea Festival tradition rolls on as some folks are already looking forward to next year’s spectacle.

The 2011 Azalea Festival Parade marched down 3rd Street Saturday morning. Despite somewhat dreary weather and chilly temperatures, the masses lined the streets of Downtown Wilmington to get a glimpse of the princesses, the royal court and, of course, the Queen.

Spectator Monique Holmes said this is her third parade, and they just keep getting better.

“Every year it’s something different,” Holmes said. “I love the schools. I love the bands especially. My favorite part, I would have to say, the Shriner’s Club. I always wanted to ride around in the little buggies. That’s my favorite part of the parade.”

Holmes said this year’s festival was extra special, because she got to tour the Battleship with the Senior Center and meet Queen Azalea in person. She said this year’s diversity and youth made it an exciting Azalea Festival.