Kara Ramos
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA — While azalea bushes remained unbloomed, sunshine warmly welcomed locals and out-of-towners to the Valdosta-Lowndes County 10th Annual Azalea Festival Saturday.
Live music could be heard throughout Drexel Park, while people visited an assortment of vendors who came from all over. People could buy sunglasses, jewelry, temporary tattoos, pottery, bedsheets, plants, fancy dog treats and more.
Entertainment was provided by Robinson’s Racing Pigs, the Fearless Flores Circus, roaming entertainers, extreme euro jumping, rock climbing and much more.
Amanda Talor, one of many who was eager to try rock climbing, said she was a little scared, but made it to the top.
Children enjoyed KidZone, where they lined up for the inflatable slides and jump house, pony rides, petting zoo, train rides and free crafts.
Tennille Starling, of Nashville, was there with her two-and-a-half-year-old son. “He’s amazed,” she said. “I don’t think he’s blinked the whole time we’ve been here.”
Food was another highlight for many who came to the festival. From corn dogs and gyros to kettle corn and funnel cakes, one could find something tasty to enjoy.
“I have a daughter and her friend here,” Michelle Sandlin, who was there to watch her co-worker dance with the Sudden Impact cloggers, said. “Their highlight is the pig race and the roasted corn. (Before the festival) she was telling people all about it.”
New this year is the world famous Disc-Connected K9’s Frisbee Dog Team, which had showtimes throughout the day. The crowd was pumped up to see the dog catch frisbees and do tricks.
Kathy Joe Ison, of Lake Park, brought her children and two dogs this year and was interested in seeing plants, jewelry and the frisbee show. Even dogs, like Ison’s, barked in excitement because they wanted to be a part of the action on field.
Performance Martial Arts Academy LLC had boards for participants to break to get an idea of what they do. Drake Parkinson showed his skills by kicking a pad and breaking a block of wood, as his parents and sister watched. He was interested in climbing the rock wall that afternoon.
Local organizations were also present to talk with people about their services.
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Lowndes County, Inc., was promoting child abuse prevention and had bubbles and jumpropes for children to play with.
“I love (the festival),” Brenda Hodges Johnson, director of the CAC, said. “How can you not love it? There’s so many kids out today.”
Pet Education Teams (PETS) was new to this year’s event and were happy to promote animal welfare.
“To get some exposure we’ll go into schools and daycares and give free presentations on animal safety and provide character building tools through humane education,” Angela Kufrovich, PETS volunteer, said.
Valdosta/Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity had two boards for people to sign that will go into the next house they build. Margie Vollenweider, finance manager and Christine Nash, volunteer coordinator, provided information on the organization but were mainly trying to advertise for Women Build, which is a women’s-only house building protect.
Other organizations were in attendance to promote themselves, such as The Haven and Second Harvest of South Georgia.
The festival’s activities and entertainment will continue today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Drexel Park, at the corner of Patterson and Brookwood. There is free parking in all Valdosta State University lots.
For more information, call (229) 269-9381; or visit www.azaleafestival.com.
