Some may have celebrated their 4th of July with a BBQ or beach day, but I was fortunate enough to represent the North Carolina Azalea Festival at the 4th of July Parade in Southport! The weather ended up being beautiful after a few showers had passed that morning, so my dad and I enjoyed chatting outside with the other event participants before the parade began that day.
![](https://ncazaleafestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/photo-1-e1500300408583-225x300.jpg)
With an American flag in my hand and my dad behind the wheel, we began to move in the parade route. I got to ride in style thanks to Capital Ford of Wilmington, who so kindly loaned us a shiny, black convertible! There were a ton of people in the crowds – I even got to wave hello to this past year’s Azalea Festival president, Jean Lawler, which definitely put a big smile on my face!
Just like the other events I’ve attended this year, the parade reminded me so much of the Azalea Festival and made me realize how much I miss that amazing week in Wilmington. Thankfully, you can mark your calendars for April 11-15, 2018, which is exactly when the next Azalea Festival will be.
I had such a great time at the 4th of July Parade and I love that I get to share my Azalea Festival Princess journey with you all this year. Happy Summer everyone!
Love,
Your 2017 North Carolina Azalea Festival Princess
Emma Grace Wright