A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT adopting the north carolina azalea festival as the official AZALEA FESTIVAL IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the North Carolina Azalea Festival is held annually in Wilmington during April and has celebrated the season of spring every year since 1948; and
Whereas, the mission of the North Carolina Azalea Festival is to be nationally recognized as a showcase for the community's rich array of artwork, gardens, history, and culture through recreational, educational, and family‑oriented events. The Festival encourages volunteerism and civic participation as it contributes to the region's economy and promotes the unique qualities of Wilmington's river‑to‑the‑sea community; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has an annual economic impact of over $50 million to Wilmington and the surrounding region; and
Whereas, every year, the North Carolina Azalea Festival brings in nationally recognized touring artists and guests to enjoy the Southern charm and hospitality of Wilmington and the City's one million azaleas; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Azalea Festival is regularly selected as a Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Event in April; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has won numerous international awards through the International Festivals and Events Association; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Azalea Festival's volunteers won the Governor's Medallion for Volunteer Service in 2017 for their dedication to this annual springtime community event; and
Whereas, each year, the Governor of North Carolina proclaims the Azalea Festival dates in honor of the North Carolina Azalea Festival and commends its observance to all North Carolina citizens; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Azalea Festival should be adopted as the official azalea festival of the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145‑52.  Official azalea festival.
The North Carolina Azalea Festival held in the City of Wilmington is adopted as the official azalea festival of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.