Southern tradition and entertainment are the basis of the North Carolina Azalea Festival. This year is the 64th annual festival, and one can expect five days full of that traditional fun which includes a parade, street fair, circus, pageant and live music from April 6 to April 10.

The Azalea Festival was established in 1948 and celebrates the Wilmington area with southern hospitality. The festival will kick off on April 6 with the traditional opening which includes the coronation and arrival of Queen Azalea.

“There were a lot more people than I expected [last year at the festival], and there was definitely a sense of life and excitement,” said sophomore Christine Stark. “I also saw my first outdoor concert at the Azalea Festival.”

This year, the Azalea Festival presents two live musical acts: Darius Rucker on April 6 and The Avett Brothers on April 8. Both shows start at 8 p.m. in Trask Coliseum. The Avett Brothers concert has sold out, but tickets for the Darius Rucker concert and other Azalea Festival events are still available on etix.com.

“I’m really looking forward to the Azalea Festival,” said freshman Erin McCarthy. “I’m excited to be a part of Wilmington tradition and for the concerts.”

Students, community members and visitors alike can experience garden and historical home tours and witness a number of contests that include a juried art show, boxing competition and a shag contest.

For more information about the history of the festival, schedule of activities and ticket prices visit www.ncazaleafestival.org.