What a wonderful weekend full of festivities--It came and went so quickly! Being a part of this event is something I will never forget! It's not every day that you get to be a celebrity in your own hometown.
Thank you so much to the Azalea Festival for allowing me this opportunity to create this piece for you! I loved capturing the essence of the festival into my painting "Where the Oaks Meet."
I'm thrilled that this season has allowed me to share my uplifting, hope-filled artwork with more people. If you are new to this list, welcome! I'm glad you're here.
Many of you have asked about my favorite moments of the festival. Here is a list in no particular order:
When I was first introduced on the Battleship NC on Wednesday afternoon. The announcer had me stand up while he read out my bio. A few people purchased prints that I personalized, and lots of folks asked about Rosie. This event was televised. Look for me at the 15 minute mark:
https://www.wwaytv3.com/watch-complete-queen-azalea-coronation-ceremony/
Many of you have asked about my favorite moments of the festival. Here is a list in no particular order:
When I was first introduced on the Battleship NC on Wednesday afternoon. The announcer had me stand up while he read out my bio. A few people purchased prints that I personalized, and lots of folks asked about Rosie. This event was televised. Look for me at the 15 minute mark:
The Celebrity Reception: Paws for People had puppies greeting us when we arrived. Getting a full face-lick was a highlight! At the podium when I was introduced, I was able to give a shout-out to my Mom for all the support and encouragement she and my Dad have given me through the years, including scoring me a ticket to see the Beach Boys play during the Azalea Festival when I was a young girl.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXHvSuiETqv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.starnewsonline.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/events/2026/04/09/azalea-festival-celebrity-reception-in-wilmington-nc/89536518007/
The school visit to Cape Fear Academy was super special. Each VIP was given a team of kids to escort them through the grounds while the rest of the student body sang, played music, and showed off their recent projects. The 3 girls that I was matched with were all winners in the Azalea Festival Youth Art Show. My speech was meaningful, especially since Elizabeth Singletary Lineberger (another festival artist whom I adore) introduced me and had such compliments to say about my work.
The Brigade Boys and Girls Club was fun because of the impromptu fashion show, flag football game, and dance party.
https://www.wwaytv3.com/queen-azalea-tours-wilmington-during-community-day/
The Lil Jon concert was fun, especially because he played some hits that the crowd loved and knew all the words to. Noah Rinker was the opening act for Dustin Lynch, and I really enjoyed hearing his music. He was a more folk, which is more my style. The music videos that went along with Lynch's songs were entertaining and I was glad my sister-in-law, Bailey, could join us. The VIP lounge at Live Oak is nice because of the private bathroom and bar.
At the Garden Party, I enjoyed being able to partake in the VIP tent which had its own bar and buffet, so that was convenient.
At the Garden Tour Ribbon Cutting, I was interviewed on WWAY TV and also helped deliver prints to the Garden Club and the Cameron Art Museum director. I also was recognized as an invited guest (look for me mentioned at the 10-12 minute mark of this video). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfFa0WioBWw&si=CIPh1R2dA7QBFXNt
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW_aEsIkdFE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
The Parade on Saturday was surreal. I rode in a 1984 Corvette with my name stickered on the side of it. At the beginning I was holding back tears because it was such a special experience..
Saturday's Patron's Party at the Cape Fear Country Club: The sun was going down and the lighting was spectacular. The way the event planner had designed the tent, sitting areas, and outdoor bars was gorgeous. There was a special guest, Sharon Lawrence, who showed up to surprise the Queen. The woman wearing the snake was super nice and her snake was the talk of the party (and my newest friend of the night). Indoors there was beaucoup food and drinks spread all over the Clubhouse, and a funny white box photo booth that no one seemed to know what to do with.
One of the BEST parts was riding in the motorcade all over town in the new Land Rover (borrowed from the dealership for the weekend). It was filled with snacks, mints, gum, water, and anything else we might need.
Our escorts where Will and Laurel Shambley, two of the kindest and most genuine people we have met. They drove us around, kept us on time, and informed us of our duties at each event. Laurel even curled my hair for the Patron's Party event (I'm hopeless with a curling iron!)
So that's a wrap on the Azalea Festival recap for now! I'm sure I'll be talking about it for a long time.
https://ncaf.pic-time.com/-2026azaleafestival/gallery
