The 77th North Carolina Azalea Festival has named Sharon Lawrence, a renowned actress from the state and star of current shows such as “Joe Pickett” and “On Becoming a God in Central Florida,” as this year’s queen. The festival, set to take place from April 3-7 in and around Wilmington, will feature a variety of events including concerts, a parade, a street fair, and home and garden tours.
In addition to Lawrence, the festival also announced its lineup of invited guests, including Wilmington teen actress Elle Graham, Miss North Carolina Taylor Loyd, figure skating champion Gracie Gold, retired Admiral Karl J. Schultz, podcast host Jennifer Vickery Smith, and artist Sharon Jones. The festival will also feature the 2024 Azalea Festival Princess Minh Vu and her court, as well as a selection of local community representatives serving as the Azalea Queen’s court.
The queen’s coronation ceremony is scheduled for April 3 at the Battleship North Carolina and is free to attend. Lawrence’s responsibilities as queen will include participating in the Azalea Festival parade and attending various festival functions and appearances. The Azalea Festival is a long-standing tradition in North Carolina, celebrating the rich culture and beauty of the state’s azalea flowers.
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