Successful 85th year of the Azalea Festival

The City of Brookings thanks the community for coming out to celebrate the 2024 Azalea Festival. This was one of the largest and best attended festivals in recent years.

Festival events started on Friday with the VVA Memorial Reading of the Names at City Hall and then a Dance Party in the park, where the large crowd danced the night away. The parade on Saturday had perfect weather with over 65 entries and parade watchers filling the sidewalks. This years' Street Market had over 90 vendors and was a huge success for vendors and shoppers.

Saturday afternoon park events included introductions of the Pioneer Citizens, Grand Marshals and the Azalea Princesses. The Elks BBQ and two tribute concerts created a jam packed afternoon enjoyed by over 1200 people in the park. Sunday park events included activities for kids and another concert.

Some of the Stakeholder events happening throughout the weekend included the Quilt Show, Kids Fishing Pond, Art Show, Flower & Plant Show, Car Show, Airport Day, BHHS All Class Reunion, Community Church Service, Pancake Breakfast, the Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony and military flyover.

Huge thanks to the event sponsors, the Pelican Bay Amateur Radio Club who provided parade support as they have done for the past 45 years and to the Soroptimist for their judging of the parade. Events were organized with the help of community stakeholders, event coordinators and City employees, truly making the Azalea Festival a testament to the spirit of our community.

Final parade results were:

■ Local Representation Award Brookings Livestock & Shooting 4-H

■ Mayor's Award — RE/MAX Coast and Country

■ Queen's Award — Our Flower House by Avigail's Events

■ Patriotism Award — Brookings Emblem Club

■ Grand Marshal's Award — Coastal Home Health & Hospice

■ Best of Bands — Brookings Harbor High School Bruin Band

■ Best of Equestrian — South Coast Wrangler 4-H Club

■ Best of Singles (Adult) — Victoria Hanson Senior Caregiver

■ Best of Cars/Truck (Vintage — pre 1950) — South Coast Antique Tractor Club

■ Best of Cars/Truck (Classic — after 1950) — 72 El Camino