Trail Day is Sunday, March 17th
Due to weather the Trail will be open from 1:00PM - 2:30PM and the Festival will start at 12PM. Come join us!
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 Pageant
Our queen selection process is a contest rather than a traditional pageant. Contestants are interviewed and tested on their knowledge of our beautiful flowers and trees, along with our festival history. Lastly they present themselves on stage. The winner is crowned as queen and receives a $2000 (can be used for High School Dual Enrollment Programs). Each girl selected to be in the TOP 5 will also win a scholarship, $500 to the school of her choice. This contest is open to high school juniors who live in the Wiregrass area. Each year a new Queen and court are selected. All contestants will ride in the parade as Trail Belles. The queen will serve as an ambassador for the Festival throughout the year.
The Trail
The Azalea-Dogwood Trail, a tradition that began in 1964, is an area mapped out in Dothan’s historic Garden District. Motorists and bicyclists can make their way through the streets that are lined with beautiful Azaleas and Dogwoods in full bloom.
Festival Events
Saturday, February 17, 2:30PM
A pageant for high school juniors to select our queen and court. All contestants will be Trail Belles. The Queen will receive a $2,000 scholarship along with other prizes. The fee is $80 and includes a white lace parasol, Azalea-Dogwood Festival t-shirt, professional photo for publication and two pageant tickets.
Sunday, March 3, 2PM - 4PM
THE PARLOR
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1380 West Main Street
Girls ages 5-10 will get to meet the Trail Belles and be crowned as Jr. Trail Belles. Refreshments will be served, and everyone can get their lawn assignment for Trail Day on Sunday.
Moms can stay and enjoy cookies and lemonade, or leave and browse the shops nearby. Your little Belle will be in good hands with us.
Sunday, March 17, 12PM - 7PM
SOLOMON PARK
1850 Choctaw Street
This is a FUN EVENT for everyone to help celebrate the Azalea-Dogwood Festival and spring in Dothan, AL. From 12 - 7PM, we invite you to stop by Solomon Park for some food, fun, kids activities and entertainment. Local food trucks will be set up cooking delicious food!
Sunday, March 17 **CANCELED due to weather **
A favorite tradition is for kids to set up lemonade and cookie stands along the Trail. For those kids who do not live in the Garden District, they can set up at Solomon Park. Judging will take place with ribbons awarded in 4 categories. Participants will receive a day pass to Water World.
Browse pictures of our Pageant Queen & Belles.
2023 Azalea-Dogwood Festival Queen and Belles
Interested in our next pageant?
Visit our Pageant Information page for details and forms.
Become a Valued Sponsor
The Azalea-Dogwood Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is made up of citizens who have a desire to maintain the tradition of the Trail. Sponsorship dollars allow for the awarding of a $2000 scholarship to a deserving young lady each year and to support the activities centered around honoring southern hospitality that is symbolic of our state and our town.
Our 2024 Sponsors
Interested in Purchasing a Sign, or Bow?
For Details Visit our Trail Week Activities Page →
Official Broadcast Media Partner
WTVY-News4 is the Official Broadcast Media Partner of the Azalea-Dogwood Festival