10:20 AM Dothan Azalea Dogwood Trail - Ribbon Cutting At 2:30 PM
Rickey StokesViewed: 1608
Posted by: RStokes
[email protected]
334-790-1729
Date: Mar 19 2023 10:21 AM
DOTHAN: 10:08 AM The traditional Dothan Azalea-Dogwood Trail, which has existed for decades, will officially kick off today.
This morning we rode part of the trail and it looks great. A lot of signs are out reflecting " BE COOL ", " LOVE DOTHAN " along the trail. There will be queens and matrons in front of houses along the trial.
The official ribbon cutting, March 19 at 2:30 PM at the intersection of West Main Street and Woodland Drive.
On Choctaw Street at Solomon Park a fun time with food trucks, face painting, live music and fun for entire family.
The Azalea-Dogwood Festival
of Dothan, Alabama
The Azalea-Dogwood Festival began in 1964. It is a tradition to celebrate the coming of Spring and our heritage of extending Southern hospitality. An area in the Garden District of Dothan has been designated as the the official Azalea-Dogwood Trail. Each year the streets are painted with pink lines to pave the way for spectators to follow. Guests are greeted by girls of all ages, known as Belles, waving from the beautifully manicured lawns.
The Trail begins at the corner of Woodland Avenue and West Main Street. It winds through Dothan’s historic Garden District and ends at 115 Girard Avenue. Look for the pink lined streets.
Festivities begin with a ribbon cutting to open the Trail at 2:45PM. Our Queen & Belles will board their cars at 2:45 to start the parade. As hundreds of onlookers drive through the Trail, Belles of all ages will greet you. Kids will be selling lemonade and cookies along the route as you drive past beautiful homes with colorful azaleas and dogwoods. The final destination is 115 Girard Avenue where our Queen and her court will preside.
After the trail ends, we invite you to meet us at Solomon Park for food trucks, gatherings and entertainment!
It’s a wonderful way to experience an old-fashioned, Southern Sunday afternoon!
Event for All Ages!
Food & Fun at Solomon Park
SOLOMON PARK
1850 Choctaw Street
1 - 7PM
If you get hungry during Trail Day stop by Solomon Park where local food trucks will be set up cooking delicious food! We invite you to stop by for some food, fun and entertainment!
The Beginning of the Azalea-Dogwood Festival
The Azalea-Dogwood Festival began in 1964 under the leadership of the Dothan Federation of Garden Clubs. Mr. Charles Taylor was instrumental in beginning the tradition of celebrating the coming of Spring. Prior to the actual celebration, a pageant was held to select a queen and court to grace the lawn of his home at 115 Girard Avenue. An area in the Garden District of Dothan was mapped off and girls of all ages were asked to dress up in Antebellum dresses. They sat on their lawns to wave to those riding through the Trail. The newly elected Queen and her court began the parade with a ribbon cutting ceremony and rode atop Corvettes throughout the pink-lined streets. Mr. Taylor’s grand, white Antebellum-style home signified the end of the trail. It is still the finale of Dothan’s historical Azalea-Dogwood Trail and is currently owned by Mr. Brent Cook.
The Growth of the Festival
As the Festival grew, the City of Dothan became the sponsor of the pageant and other activities that were a part of the Festival. There was a 5K run, softball and soccer tournaments, and activities at Solomon Park. However, interest began waning in the events, including the pageant. As a result, the City decided to cancel the pageant and Trail. This decision resulted in many citizens expressing their disappointment. Therefore, a Trail was held, and the previous year’s queen presided over the festivities for a second time, since there was not a pageant. 2017 is the only year that the same Queen served twice.
Afterwards, the City sought assistance in revamping the pageant so that it would appeal to the current generation of contestants. This resulted in the formation of the Azalea-Dogwood Festival Board which was established in January 2018. It is a non-profit organization made up of citizens who desire to keep the tradition of the Trail and to honor deserving young women with recognition and scholarships.
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