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More than 250 vendors are expected at Drexel Park for the Valdosta Azalea Festival, while Wild Adventures Theme Park opens its 30th anniversary season with new animal exhibits.
Spring may be a week away, but it is already in full swing in Valdosta, Georgia — and this weekend neighbors have plenty of ways to celebrate.
Crowds are expected to fill Drexel Park as the Valdosta Azalea Festival returns for another year of arts, crafts, food, and family activities. More than 250 vendors from across the country are setting up shop, including Pink Zebra, a scent store run by wife-and-wife duo Heather McMullen and Shantrell McMullen.
For Heather, being part of the festival is personal.
"This is a full circle moment for me. My second year doing it too," Heather McMullen said.
Heather says she remembers coming to the Azalea Festival as a child growing up in Valdosta — and now she gets to bring her own products to the community.
"Y'all need to come on over here to the festival because if you don't want your car or house smelling funky, especially with it being summer, we got all kinds of melts, sprays — whatever you need," Heather McMullen said.
Just across town, another major spring tradition is also getting underway. Wild Adventures Theme Park is opening the gates for its 30th anniversary season, bringing new experiences for guests alongside its rides and attractions.
Among the additions this year are new animal exhibits designed to combine fun with education.
"We're excited to introduce our new spider monkey habitat to our guests. It's three times the size of the previous one, so it gives our Spider Monkeys, Mambo and Jojo, more room to grow and play.," Wild Adventures PR Specialist Asher Raymond said.
"We also have extended our Alpaha Trail that showcases lots of our other animals, and it also provides guests a cool placuring the hot Georgia weather."
Both the Valdosta Azalea Festival and Wild Adventures' 30th anniversary season opening begin Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m.
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