This region's residents and visitors are keenly aware that when the azaleas bloom each spring, the N.C. Azalea Festival isn't far behind. But do you know how the festival came to be and how it has evolved over time?

In this special off-season episode of Cape Fear Unearthed, we dig for the roots of the festival, why it has persisted and the many famous faces that have attended over 70 years.

Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram.

Additional editing by Adam Fish. Recorded at WHQR in downtown Wilmington.

A StarNews Media Production. This season is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry.

Sources:

"Belle and Blooms: Cape Fear Garden Club and the North Carolina Azalea Festival," by Susan Taylor Block

"History of Airlie," AirlieGardens.org

Various Wilmington StarNews articles, 1948-present