WILMINGTON — The N.C. Azalea Festival has sent a letter to local leaders asking for an infusion of funds to add another concert to kick off 2022’s festivities.
Upon turning 75 this year, the festival already announced headlining acts REO Speedwagon, Brantley Gilbert, and Cypress Hill, set to perform at Live Oak Bank Pavilion’s Riverfront Park during the five-day lineup. To kick off the Queen’s Coronation on Wednesday, Apr. 6, the festival is hoping to add a fourth national headlining act, according to a letter signed by festival president John E. Russ and its executive director, Alison Baringer. Who they’re aiming for is unclear, though the festival is asking for a $35,000 investment from the city, as well as $35,000 from the county to help “offset a portion of the artist costs.”
“The Festival will pay for the rest of the event,” the letter states.
Addressed to Mayor Bill Saffo and New Hanover County Commissioner Chair Julia Olson-Boseman, the money would allow the team to offer $15 tickets to the general public and also give back to the community’s health “heroes.”
“We have plans to to give away approximately 400 tickets to our valued health-care workers as a thank you for their pandemic work,” the letter states.
It also notes the intention to invite back all past presidents and volunteers so the family-friendly festival “truly will be an all-community celebration.” The county and city officials would crown the queen, the letter suggests, at 7 p.m. Following would be a meet-and-greet, and at 9 p.m. the national musical act would take the stage.
To quantify the impact the Azalea Festival has on the region, the letter points to a UNCW economic impact report completed in 2011, which notes the springtime celebration annually funnels $50 million into the community. Covid-19 shuttered the event in 2020, while in April 2021, a few virtual festival activities were hosted, with others postponed to summer.
This year is being touted “a return to ‘normal,’” the letter states, with the juried art show and sale, the Cape Fear Garden tour, the street fair and parade, garden party and home tour all slated to take place. New happenings are also planned, like a comedy show at Brooklyn Arts Center and a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performance.
Russ and Baringer sign off that the county, city and festival will co-present the coronation concert, though sponsors will also be represented it clarifies.
“We appreciate the consideration given to support the biggest party Wilmington has seen; we all are due for a little celebrating,” the letter ends.
The City of Wilmington will vote on a resolution authorizing the funds on Tuesday, Feb. 1. The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners has not yet released an agenda for its next meeting to address the item of interest.
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