WILMINGTON -- With the Azalea Festival parade just a few days away, crews are working hard to get the bleachers set up. But there are plenty of events happening before that, starting with the arrival of the 2015 Azalea Queen Mallory Hagan.
On Tuesday, Hagan received a warm welcome from Azalea Belles laced in pearls. The 2013 Miss America and 2015 Azalea Queen said she is thrilled to be in the Port City.
"Been a long time coming it feels like. I learned-- I learned I'd be the queen a little while ago, so I've been anxiously awaiting. And it's very exciting to be here and to be with the Belles and to experience the traditions of Wilmington. I'm looking forward to the week for sure," said Hagan.
It's sure to be a jam-packed week, with a variety of events to choose from. People can enjoy vibrant azaleas and spring flowers during the Garden Tour, which includes 13 gardens.
The Historic Home Tour takes place on Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
"I think it's just a wonderful way to get in touch with your community, to understand its origins, to understand the history. This year we are spanning almost 170 in history through the architecture," said Historic Wilmington Foundation Executive Director George Edwards.
One of the most popular events is the parade, which begins at 9:30 on Saturday.
"We're gonna have balloons this year-- we've got two. Lot's more marching bands...we're just trying to upgrade the quality of the parade and we hope everybody comes out," said North Carolina Azalea Festival Treasurer Justin Wolfe.
The Cole Bros Circus is another favorite event. The trapeze artists and exotic animals will have kids wide-eyed in amazement.
The 2015 Azalea Festival truly has something for everyone. For a complete list of events, event times, where you can purchase tickets and road closures during the festival-- visit www.ncazaleafestival.org/.