Volunteer
The success of the North Carolina Azalea Festival is made possible through the hard work and dedication of a large corps of community volunteers. Nearly 100 volunteer committees plan and organize events such as the Parade, the Waterfront Street Fair, the Spring Soiree and the community clean-up called Azalea Sweep, as well as critical operations such as communications, transportation, sponsor relations and event hospitality.
Volunteer opportunities may be available for a single day or involve a year-round commitment. The level of involvement you choose depends on your interests and availability. We will work to get you involved in a way that you find both meaningful and enjoyable. Communication with potential new volunteers generally occurs in the beginning of the Fall, and periodically throughout Festival season (Oct-April).
Every year following the Festival we host a special party for all of the Volunteers that helped with the Festival events as a thank you. There are also social events for the Committee Chairs of each of our Committees.
Thank You to Our Supporters
JEAN A. LAWLER EMERITUS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
In 2017 the North Carolina Azalea Festival created the Jean A. Lawler Emeritus Program, honoring our long-serving volunteers. To qualify as an Emeritus Volunteer, a committee chair or co-chair must have led an Azalea Festival committee for at least ten years to be considered Emeritus. To be considered Emeritus Gold, a committee chair or co-chair must have led an Azalea Festival committee with at least twenty years of service. The Emeritus Program was designed to recognize these dedicated individuals for their countless years of service to the Azalea Festival and the Wilmington community.
Emeritus Volunteers
Edwina Batson
Cynthia Clontz
Ted Davis Jr.
Douglas F. DeGroote
Susan M. DeGroote
Bill Miller
Emeritus Gold Volunteers
Barry Arnette
Eston Brinkley
Katie Brinkley
Debi Causey
Susan Crowell
Sandy Cyphers
JW Willie Dalrymple
Jane Davis
Billy W. Ezzell
Gloria C. Ezzell
Steve Hardison
Larry Knowles
George Lancaster
Eddie Lawler
Frances McLamb
Hugh F. McManus, III
Shelby Dempsey Moore
Donna Robbins
Sandee Murray Spradley
Rick Stinson
Gayle Ward
Valerie Watkins
Skip Watkins
Leslie A. Yarborough
For more information on the Jean A. Lawler Emeritus Program, please contact the Azalea Festival Office: 910-794-4650.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, click the button below to sign up.
