PICKENS — In a 27-year celebration, the Pickens Azalea Festival could in 2011 prove to be the best yet in its history of packing a glorious spring weekend with a myriad of arts and crafts, a variety of food choices, tours through the picturesque historical city of Pickens, amusement rides, children’s activities, military exhibits and a array of musical entertainment.

This year’s festival will kick off Friday evening April 15 at 7 p.m. with its annual cruise-in, on Main Street where visitors can view old cars, jeeps and trucks of their past that have be restored to perfection. Musical entertainment will take center stage at 7 p.m., wrapping up the Friday evening Cruise-In.

Saturday morning, April 16 activities begin with the first Pickens County Meals on Wheels “Pedal Pickens County Charity Ride” at 8 a.m. at the corner of Ann St & West Main. The fifth annual Azalea Festival 5K walk/run will also begin at Pickens High School at 8:30 a.m. sponsored by the Pickens Women’s Association.

Beginning at 10 a.m., walk the streets of Pickens, which will be filled with the electric activity of area artist displaying their incredible creations and the aroma of local civic and non-profit agencies grilling hot dogs, hamburgers and much more.

View Pickens from the air Saturday, as helicopter rides will be available at Bruce Field football stadium (weather permitting, fee required). View a military encampment in the park on Main Street, sponsored by the Carolina History Club of the Carolinas.

Grace United Methodist Church of Pickens and the Azalea Festival Committee will this year provide a shuttle service for festival patrons on Saturday April 16. Running 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from the old Winn-Dixie parking lot on Hampton Ave to Grace Church parking lot. The shuttle will run every 30 minutes.
For additional information, event registration and booth applications visit the festival website at www.pickensazaleafestival.org or contact the Azalea Festival Committee at infor@pickensazaleafestival.org. The Pickens Azalea Festival is sponsored by the Pickens Chamber of Commerce & Azalea Festival Planning Committee.