Over the weekend, we celebrated a major milestone as our Executive Director, Alison Baringer, marked 20 years with the North Carolina Azalea Festival! 🌸
So much has changed over the past two decades:
✨ 20 years ago, the Festival had no social media, not even Facebook. Today, we connect with over 72,000 followers across multiple platforms.
✨ Ticketing looked very different. In 2006, tickets were sold in person at the office, by fax, or by mailing in a newspaper order form with payment. Alison’s first Festival concert was Carrie Underwood’s first show after American Idol, and she had to manually select every seat for the sold-out show in Trask Coliseum.
✨ Since then, Festival concerts have been held in three venues: Trask Coliseum, CFCC’s Schwartz Center parking lot, and now Live Oak Bank Pavilion.
✨ We’ve introduced dozens of new events and programs, including Aces for Azaleas Volleyball Tournament, Azalea Golf Classic, Chefs' Showcase, Jingle in the Park, Pet Royalty Photo Contest, Queen’s Dance Party, Tunes & Blooms, and more.
✨ Some events have retired, like the Cole Bros. Circus, Cake Challenge, Queen’s Arrival, the Summerall Guards Visit, and the Pre-Festival Party.
✨ What was once a one-person, part-time team, Alison has grown into a dedicated staff of four year-round employees.
✨ The Festival has also gained national recognition, including active membership and board representation with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).
So much has blossomed in 20 years under Alison’s leadership. We are grateful for her dedication, heart, and vision.
What’s your favorite Azalea Festival memory? 💐 Share it below as we celebrate this special milestone!
#NCAF #VisitNC #Wilmington #NC #WBNC #WrightsvilleBeach #Azalea #Festival #2025
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North Carolina Azalea Festival at Wilmington, Inc.
The official Facebook for the North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 8-12, 2026
A few highlights from our first annual Azalea Festival Golf Classic. 📸
Want to join the fun? Registration is now OPEN for the second annual Golf Classic at the link below, happening October 2, 2026 at River Landing! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable day.
www.etix.com/ticket/p/66500699/azalea-golf-classic-wilmington-nc-azalea-festival
#NCAF #VisitNC #Wilmington #NC #WBNC #WrightsvilleBeach #Azalea #Festival #2025 #Golf #Classic #Tournament … See MoreSee Less
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Over the weekend, we celebrated a major milestone as our Executive Director, Alison Baringer, marked 20 years with the North Carolina Azalea Festival! 🌸
So much has changed over the past two decades:
✨ 20 years ago, the Festival had no social media, not even Facebook. Today, we connect with over 72,000 followers across multiple platforms.
✨ Ticketing looked very different. In 2006, tickets were sold in person at the office, by fax, or by mailing in a newspaper order form with payment. Alison’s first Festival concert was Carrie Underwood’s first show after American Idol, and she had to manually select every seat for the sold-out show in Trask Coliseum.
✨ Since then, Festival concerts have been held in three venues: Trask Coliseum, CFCC’s Schwartz Center parking lot, and now Live Oak Bank Pavilion.
✨ We’ve introduced dozens of new events and programs, including Aces for Azaleas Volleyball Tournament, Azalea Golf Classic, Chefs' Showcase, Jingle in the Park, Pet Royalty Photo Contest, Queen’s Dance Party, Tunes & Blooms, and more.
✨ Some events have retired, like the Cole Bros. Circus, Cake Challenge, Queen’s Arrival, the Summerall Guards Visit, and the Pre-Festival Party.
✨ What was once a one-person, part-time team, Alison has grown into a dedicated staff of four year-round employees.
✨ The Festival has also gained national recognition, including active membership and board representation with the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).
So much has blossomed in 20 years under Alison’s leadership. We are grateful for her dedication, heart, and vision.
What’s your favorite Azalea Festival memory? 💐 Share it below as we celebrate this special milestone!
#NCAF #VisitNC #Wilmington #NC #WBNC #WrightsvilleBeach #Azalea #Festival #2025 … See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Wishing everyone a safe and sparkling Fourth of July from the North Carolina Azalea Festival! 🎆 Today, we celebrate freedom, community, and the spirit that brings us all together. Have a happy and festive holiday! 🌸
#NCAF #visitnc #wilmington #NC #wbnc #wrightsvillebeach #azalea #festival #2025 … See MoreSee Less
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