Thursday, March 17, 2016

The North Carolina Azalea Festival announced its 69th queen today, crowning UNC Wilmington graduate Anna Kooiman as Queen Azalea. Kooiman serves as anchor and co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend and as a general assignment news reporter for FOX News Channel (FNC) in New York City. She got her start in television at WWAY-TV (ABC) in Wilmington in 2005, where she began as an intern and later became a reporter and anchor. She also served as a sideline reporter for UNCW's basketball team throughout college.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Anna back to the port city," said Festival President Robby Collins. "It’s great that her career started right here in Wilmington, and over the last few years has made it to the highest level of journalism. I’m proud to be able to give the honor of Queen Azalea to someone with ties to our city, and know she will represent the Festival and Wilmington well."

The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington’s annual community celebration and the largest festival of its kind in the state. This year's festival will be held April 6-10, with events happening throughout the week, including the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party, the Azalea 5K/10K/Kid's Run, the Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour, a parade and a host of concerts.