April 7-11, 2027
COUNTDOWN:
CLOWNING AROUND IN 1968
Emmett Kelly Jr completed his 4-year apprenticeship in 1964. He was then hired by Kodak to be apart of New York City Worlds’ Fair Kodak Pavilion from1964-1965. For the following four years, Kelly toured as an Ambassador of Goodwill for Kodak. In 1968 Hugh Morton the founder and organizer of the Azalea Festival managed to book Kelly for the 1968 Azalea Festival. (as seen in this image) Kelly went on to become perhaps the world’s most recognizable and photographed clown.
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There are no upcoming events at this time.
The North Carolina Azalea Festival office is currently closed for renovations as we do a little pruning, planting, and refreshing.
We’re creating a space that better reflects the history, hospitality, and spirit of the Festival, and we can’t wait to welcome you back when we are in full bloom!
While our doors are temporarily closed, our team is still working. The best way to reach us during renovations is by email:
General Festival Questions: info@ncazaleafestival.org
Thank you for your patience while we tend to our Festival home.