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

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

StarNews Media Presents "Cape Fear Unearthed," a podcast digging into the history books of Southeastern North Carolina. The weekly podcast will feature stories drawn from the region's persisting legends, historical oddities and mysterious figures that have helped shape its legacy and culture.

Cape Fear Unearthed

The N.C. Azalea Festival is a defining attraction of the Cape Fear region, but do you know how it came to be and why it has persisted for seven decades?

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