Sharon Lawrence Instagram – A week ago, a thrill of a lifetime…a coronation… as the 77th #QueenAzalea at the @ncazaleafest 2024. The honor of wearing this beautiful (and original) crown has been enjoyed since 1948 by many women you know- film stars Ester Williams, TV stars @phyliciarashad Rashad , Shelley Fabares, and my pal @amypietz , soap stars, Nancy Addison, and yes, also #KellyRipa, as well as many NC pageant Queens.
When the accomplished and gracious Festival Board of Director President , Andrew Nettleman and his fellow Officers ( all stars in the Cape Fear Region) and their terrific Staff contacted me with this special offer, I was moved and grateful- both as a NC native and as an actor who has loved filming in Wilmington over the years.
For those unfamiliar, it’s a remarkable week long event of community celebrations honoring spring and the beauty it brings to the storied North Carolina coast, the opening of #azalea blossoming and the local garden season and the colorful and committed community of the Port City.
This was opening day and the Coronation had been scheduled to take place on deck of one of the most famous US Navy Battleships, the @USS North Carolina, but wind and rain changed our plans so we stayed warm and dry thanks to the classy @hotelballast !
As many of you heard me say last week, appearing as #QueenAzalea requires a ‘team of professionals’ who volunteer their services. In addition to @camillesofwilm which offered complementary pieces like this garden green dress by @jovani want to thank my long-time colleague from LA, @robinsiegel , now a Wilmington resident who MU for the Coronation and also Kari Delaney who took care of hair for a few of the days.
For the next week, I’ll highlight my encounters with the law enforcement escorts and local school leaders, pediatric nurses and famous music stars, the dazzling party people and dainty princesses, the delicious Eastern NC BBQ and seafood, I’ll fill you in on the fun images (most captured by my escort, lifeline, fellow #unctarheel and friend @jenhenunc) and great memories as #queenazalea 2024 .
Thanks for allowing me to reflect and express my appreciation for a once in a lifetime experience. 🙏🏻🌺🙏🏻 | Posted on 11/Apr/2024 01:17:19
