VALDOSTA  —The 25th annual Valdosta-Lowndes Azalea Festival is accepting vendor applications and sponsors.  Local vendors and non-profits are encouraged to apply now.  

“We are aiming to make the twenty-fifth annual Azalea Festival the biggest and best yet,” said Executive Director H. Aaron Strickland.  “The 2024 festival was a tremendous success thanks to our patrons, volunteers, sponsors, and Board members.” 

The 2025 Azalea Festival, a full two-day arts and crafts festival, scheduled for March 8-9 in Drexel Park, will attract more than 25,000 people, providing a major boost to the local economy and a way for local businesses to show their support for this beloved regional event, organizers said in a press release late last week. 

The festival attracts vendors from all over the country with unique arts and craft items. Last year, more than 250 vendors from as far away as Michigan participated in the festival.  Vendors ranged from arts and crafts to homemade candies, cakes, soaps, sauces, and jams, and the Azalea Festival is looking to add a few more vendors and variety for the 2025 event. 

“The vision of the Azalea Festival is to work to showcase the best of South Georgia and more,” Strickland said.

In addition to a variety of unique arts and craft vendors, the Azalea Festival also offers six stage areas of live entertainment, a KidZone area for children, a classic car and motorcycle show, VLPRA Azalea 5k run and more during the two-day event. Back by popular demand will be the Disc-connected K9’s Frisbee dog show and the Falconry Forever (Birds of Prey) exhibits and demonstrations. 

“We are also very excited to welcome back the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show this year! The Langdale Company signed on to sponsor this show and bring it back this year in honor of this being the twenty-fifth annual,” Strickland said. 

The Azalea Festival is able to offset a majority of the costs of its attractions and special events through sponsorships and donations from local businesses, families, and organizations. 

Vendors and sponsors interested in participating in the festival are encouraged to visit www.azaleafestival.com, email info@azaleafestival.com, or call (229) 269-9381 for more information.  Several sponsorship levels and options are available.  Please inquire for sponsorship by Monday, Jan. 24, to ensure mention in the festival brochure.