Wilmington NC - Azalea Fest Schedule

Azalea Fest starts this week. It is the biggest festival in Wilmington and the one most attended.

I have included the schedule of events so you don't miss out on anything:

Official site of the N.C. Azalea Festival
Azalea Festival dates are April 7-11 (Wed.-Sun.). For complete schedule, or tickets, visit http://www.ncazaleafestival.org

Wednesday, April 7
Queen's Coronation: 5-6 p.m. April 7, Riverfront Park. Free.

Thursday, April 8
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. April 8-10; 1:30 p.m. April 10-11; 4:30 p.m. April 11 on the grounds of Wilmington International Airport. Activities include elephants, fearless flyers, camels, clowns, motorcycles, animals, acrobats and The Human Cannonball. Tickets: $17, $12 children and seniors, $25 VIP; available through April 7 at the Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 794-4650. Circus information: (800) 796-5672.

Goo Goo Dolls w/ Collective Soul: 8 p.m. April 8, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.

Friday, April 9
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 9-11. Tickets good for all days and includes admission to Airlie Gardens on April 10. Tickets: $20, free for ages 12 and under with a paying adult, available from Cape Fear Garden Club (www.capefeargardenclub.org), Belk, Sterling House, The Fisherman's Wife, and local garden centers. Details: 228-2175; www.azaleagardentour.org.

Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 9 and 10, noon-4 p.m. April 11, St. James Episcopal Church, Perry Hall, 25 S. Third St. Free admission. Details: mmsmith@ec.rr.com.

seniors, $25 VIP; available through April 7 at the Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 794-4650. Circus information: (800) 796-5672.
Goo Goo Dolls w/ Collective Soul: 8 p.m. April 8, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Friday, April 9
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 9-11. Tickets good for all days and includes admission to Airlie Gardens on April 10. Tickets: $20, free for ages 12 and under with a paying adult, available from Cape Fear Garden Club (www.capefeargardenclub.org), Belk, Sterling House, The Fisherman's Wife, and local garden centers. Details: 228-2175; www.azaleagardentour.org.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 9 and 10, noon-4 p.m. April 11, St. James Episcopal Church, Perry Hall, 25 S. Third St. Free admission. Details: mmsmith@ec.rr.com.
Street Fair: Hours: 6-11 p.m. April 9, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. April 10 with fireworks at 9 p.m., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 11. Main Stage is at Market and Second streets. No pets allowed.
Montgomery Gentry: 8 p.m. April 9, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Saturday, April 10
Amateur Boxing Tournament: 2:30-6 p.m. April 10, 2-6 p.m. April 11, at Williston Middle School, 401 S. 10th St. Five age groups include boys and girls, ages 8-16, and men and women, ages 17-34. Free admission.
Coin Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 10 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11 at American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive. Children of all ages can pan for gold, and dealers will be available to buy, sell or trade. Free admission. Details: 297-5860.
Cole Bros. Circus: 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Fireworks: 9-9:30 p.m. April 10 along the riverfront in downtown Wilmington. Free.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See April 9.
Home Tour: 1-6 p.m. April 10, 1-5 p.m. April 11. Tickets: $25, available at Harris Teeter and other area outlets; the Azalea Festival Office; the Historic Wilmington Foundation, 516 N Fourth St.; and at each home site the days of the tour. $22 for groups of 10 or more. Details: Historic Wilmington Foundation, 762-2511; Azalea Festival Ticket Office, 794-4650; or www.historicwilmington.org.
Horse Show: Noon April 10 and 11, Shingleton Farms in Hampstead, 12919 U.S. 17 South. Rain dates are April 17 and 18 respectively. Free admission, $5 for parking. Details: (910) 619-7104; ShingletonFarms.com.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. See April 9.

Parade: 9 a.m. April 10. See map, page 10. Free. Details: 794-4650.

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Azalea Festival dates are April 7-11 (Wed.-Sun.). For complete schedule, or tickets, visit http://www.ncazaleafestival.org
Wednesday, April 7
Queen's Coronation: 5-6 p.m. April 7, Riverfront Park. Free.
Thursday, April 8
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. April 8-10; 1:30 p.m. April 10-11; 4:30 p.m. April 11 on the grounds of Wilmington International Airport. Activities include elephants, fearless flyers, camels, clowns, motorcycles, animals, acrobats and The Human Cannonball. Tickets: $17, $12 children and seniors, $25 VIP; available through April 7 at the Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 794-4650. Circus information: (800) 796-5672.
Goo Goo Dolls w/ Collective Soul: 8 p.m. April 8, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Friday, April 9
Cole Bros. Circus: 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 9-11. Tickets good for all days and includes admission to Airlie Gardens on April 10. Tickets: $20, free for ages 12 and under with a paying adult, available from Cape Fear Garden Club (www.capefeargardenclub.org), Belk, Sterling House, The Fisherman's Wife, and local garden centers. Details: 228-2175; www.azaleagardentour.org.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 9 and 10, noon-4 p.m. April 11, St. James Episcopal Church, Perry Hall, 25 S. Third St. Free admission. Details: mmsmith@ec.rr.com.
Street Fair: Hours: 6-11 p.m. April 9, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. April 10 with fireworks at 9 p.m., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 11. Main Stage is at Market and Second streets. No pets allowed.
Montgomery Gentry: 8 p.m. April 9, Trask Coliseum, UNCW, 601 S. College Road. Tickets: $45, available at Azalea Festival Box Office, 5725 Oleander Drive, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 794-4650; or online at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Saturday, April 10
Amateur Boxing Tournament: 2:30-6 p.m. April 10, 2-6 p.m. April 11, at Williston Middle School, 401 S. 10th St. Five age groups include boys and girls, ages 8-16, and men and women, ages 17-34. Free admission.

Coin Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 10 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11 at American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive. Children of all ages can pan for gold, and dealers will be available to buy, sell or trade. Free admission. Details: 297-5860.

Cole Bros. Circus: 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 p.m. See April 8.
Fireworks: 9-9:30 p.m. April 10 along the riverfront in downtown Wilmington. Free.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See April 9.
Home Tour: 1-6 p.m. April 10, 1-5 p.m. April 11. Tickets: $25, available at Harris Teeter and other area outlets; the Azalea Festival Office; the Historic Wilmington Foundation, 516 N Fourth St.; and at each home site the days of the tour. $22 for groups of 10 or more. Details: Historic Wilmington Foundation, 762-2511; Azalea Festival Ticket Office, 794-4650; or www.historicwilmington.org.

Horse Show: Noon April 10 and 11, Shingleton Farms in Hampstead, 12919 U.S. 17 South. Rain dates are April 17 and 18 respectively. Free admission, $5 for parking. Details: (910) 619-7104; ShingletonFarms.com.
Juried Art Show: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. See April 9.

Parade: 9 a.m. April 10. See map, page 10. Free. Details: 794-4650.
Shag Contest: 1-6 p.m. April 10 at Cape Fear Community College Schwartz Center with DJ David Sessoms. $3 per person, cash only at the door. Details: 794-4650.
Sunday, April 11
Amateur Boxing Tournament: See April 10.
Azalea Cake Challenge: Noon-4 p.m. April 11, Cape Fear Community College, Schwartz Center, 610 N. Front St. Bakers will construct “centerpiece cakes.” Categories include professional and amateur. Event ticket-holders can judge in various people's choice categories. Admission: $5; advance tickets: 4 for $15. Details: 794-4650; AzaleaCakeChallenge@gmail.com.
Coin Show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See April 10.
Cole Bros. Circus: 1:30, 4:30 p.m., See April 8.
Festival of Cultures: Begins at 1 p.m. April 11 and 12 at Bailey Park on Front Street. Activities include performance groups representing music, dance and ethnic pageantry of each culture.
Garden Tour: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See April 9.
Home Tour: 1-5 p.m. See April 10.
Horse Show: Noon. See April 10.
Juried Art Show: Noon-4 p.m. See April 9.
Variety Show: Noon-6:30 p.m. April 11 at the Main Stage, Market and Second streets.

WILMINGTON, NC - EASTER EGG HUNTS in the AREA

Local Easter Egg Hunts

Spring Eggventure at Halyburton Park April 1st at 1pmhttp://www.halyburtonpark.com/

Battleship Easter Egg HuntApril 2nd at 9:30amhttp://www.battleshipnc.com/

Alligator Egg HuntApril 2nd 10amhttp://www.ncaquariums.com/

Easter Egg Hunt at Mike Chappell Park, April 3rd 11am910-458-2977

The Masonboro Forest Subdivision is in southern central Wilmington, NC.

It is a 60 acre subdivision in which is carved estate homes, mid range homes and patio homes. It is 20 minutes to all area beaches.

The lower priced patio homes enjoy all the amenities of the subdivision and were based on 3-4 bedroom plans on a small foot print. These are pictured in 2nd row left side. Pricing is generally in the $300K price range. Landscaping is done for you on the front for which there is a minimal charge in addition to the main HOA fees. You can use all the amenities of the subdivision and enjoy the leafy tree lined streets and great location.

The mid size homes are of traditional style and craftsman style as pictured above. Their price range is from $ 300k to $ 425K and go from 2000 sq ft to
2800 sq ft. This is representative of the last house shown.

The executive style homes are 4-6 bedrooms and range from 2500 to 5000sq ft and range in price from $450K to 700K depending upon the size and condition of the homes. This type home is depicted in middle right.

The big drawing point of this neighborhood is its family friendly amenities including a clubhouse, tennis, olympic size pool and pool house. The dues are not excessive for such amenities. Dues run less than $ 70./month.

The club house is equipped with seating and a kitchen for which you can rent out the property for parties and events for a minimal charge. The pool is great for kids and families looking to escape the warm summer days. There is also tennis courts and swings and play area for the kids.

Topping off the location are the New Hanover county schools of Hoggard, Myrtle Grove and Parsley.

This is a desireable location and destination for boomers, their parents and their kids alike.

Wrightsville Beach, NC - White Sand being DREDGED for the BEACH

YES WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - you will have sand this year. The dredging boats and barges are working overtime in the channel pumping sand up from the channel and piping it to the pristine beaches of Wrightsville and Masonboro Island. THis is a very expensive propositon for the government and state but totally worth it as our tourists certainly expect the gorgeous white sand of Wrightsville to be there when they want to sun in it, play in it and relax o it. Don't worry folks when you come to town there will be sand....

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON - THE HISTORICAL DISTRICT

Situated a few short blocks from the Cape Fear River is the Wilmington Historical area. It is comprised of single family homes, churches, some commercial offices, bed and breakfasts, rental homes and homes subdivided into apartments. Houses range from early 1800's to early 1900's. This area is closely controlled by Wilmington Historical Zoning Dept which closely reviews every change planned for each home. They are very interested in perserving the Historical nature of each home in this district. This historical area is within 2 blocks of the river and runs approximately 7 city blocks deep and 12 - 15 blocks long.

Historical zoning personnel are very involved in any change planned for a house. They review house colors, trim and main colors, roof styles and colors, window changes, any modern updates planned and the like. They are mainly concerned with ensuring each individual realizes the historical value of each property and is willing to practise conservation methods approve to ensure the historical value is perserved of each home. They even have the power to fine a property not in conformance with the guidelines set forth for this historically designated area.

Many of these homes have been used in movies. The yellow Queen Anne above was used to film the movie Cape Fear - a good part of the movie was filmed on its porch. Right around the corner John Travolta filmed a movie at St. Mary's school. A Bed and Breakfast downtown has wallpaper that Oprah picked out for it.

A great number of these homes are plaqued and named with original owners name and date the home was built. One homeowner told me that all the materials for his home came into Wilmington via boat. The materials were delivered up the hill from the river to the property by horse and flat carts.

These homes are desireable not only because they are old but there is a strong sense of community in this area. Homeowners participate in home tours by allowing the public to see their homes during the Azalea Festival that Wilmington is known for and also the Historical Candlelight Tour a benefit for the Historical Society that takes place the 1st weekend in December. A secret garden tour is usually in the fall when you can see private gardens not open to the public. Also there is a kitchen tour where owners who have done innovative renovation to their kitchens open them up for a benefit kitchen tour. Horse drawn carriages give tours of the area daily. Most everyone knows their neighbors, there are sidewalks and wine tastings. People can walk downtown from their homes in this district to restaurants, shops, bakeries, and all the festivals Wilmington has going on downtown.

You just can't help love the live oaks and the lively colors of these wonderful Grande Dames of yesteryear still around for us to enjoy.

Conversation overheard on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai . It's too good not to pass along.. The conversation went like this... Iranian Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.' Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.' Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!' Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps F-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!' Air Defense Radar: (no response .... total silence)