THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 12, 1995 TAG: 9501110071
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Jolly ol' England is coming to Norfolk for the 42nd annual Azalea Festival April 23-30.
During the city's annual salute to NATO, an array of cultural, educational, athletic, trade and social events are planned in honor of Great Britain, selected as this year's most honored nation.
It's the fifth time in the festival's history that the country has been selected for the honor.
Highlights of this year's festival include a concert by the Royal Marine Band, a cinema night featuring clips from classic British films, a performance by a traveling children's environmental theater group, an international trade luncheon, a chamber music concert featuring a harpsichordist, an auto rally of vintage British cars, and rugby and soccer matches. The HMS Richmond also will make a stop during the festival at the Nauticus pier.
A British university student, 23-year-old Polly Astor, has been selected Queen Azalea XLII.
As in years past, the queen will be crowned during a Saturday afternoon ceremony at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. This year, the coronation is set for 3 p.m. on April 29. Throughout the day, a NATOfest, featuring the food, music, dancing and goods from 16 of the organization's countries, also will be held at the gardens.
Later that evening, a dinner and ball at the Omni Hotel will take place.
The festival's grand parade through downtown Norfolk, however, has been changed to Friday night this year. It is set for 7:30 p.m., with Norfolk native Bruce Smith, now a star defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, as the parade's grand marshal.
One of the festival's most popular events, the air show at the Norfolk Naval Air Station is slated for Sunday, April 30.
The festival annually draws about 200,000 people. by CNB