PANAMA CITY — Southern traditions don’t change much from year to year; otherwise, they wouldn’t be Southern traditions.
The five antebellum-dress clad finalists vying for Queen of the Azalea Trail demonstrated the same grace, poise, self-confidence and community-minded characteristics as their predecessors. However, this year’s Azalea Trail Queen also was judged on scholastic aptitude and extracurricular activities, organizers said.
“Traditions are always the same, and it also looks like it may rain again this year — the same as last year,” said Sayre Steere, co-chair of the Panama City Garden Club.
Since 1967 the Panama City Garden Club has sponsored the Azalea Trail and hosted the crowning of the Azalea Trail Queen on the grounds of the Garden Club. The route of the trail remains the same, and the task of painstakingly narrowing the field of contestants for the coveted title of Azalea Trail Queen down to five finalists is just as difficult. This year’s finalists are: Hannah King, North Bay Haven; Summer Leach, Arnold High School; Ashley Sheffield, Mosley High School; Athina Smith, Mosley High School; and Elise Wiselogel, Arnold High School.
Of the 28 participants, judges not only narrowed the field to five finalists but also chose the queen at the preliminary ceremony, which also is a break from the usual ceremony. But the queen will not be announced until Sunday’s Azalea Queen ceremony.
“We already know but you will have to show up Sunday to find out who will be crowned,” Steere said.
The Azalea Trail has been a springtime highlight in Panama City for 47 years.
For many who participate, it is a family tradition — as uniquely Southern as the indigenous flowers used to identify it — following in the footsteps of mothers and grandmothers. The young ladies are involved in the community in many different ways: from mentoring elementary school children, to church youth groups, to animal rescue groups and more. Each young lady puts aside time to participate in the community in some way.
In addition to the high school age ladies, there is a children’s court for boys and girls ages 6 to 8. This year’s children court will have a couple of girls whose great grandmothers and great-great grandmothers were members of the Garden Club and played a role in establishing the Azalea Trail in Panama City.
After the queen is announced a police-escorted motorcade will tour the Azalea Trail winding through Panama City streets to the mayor’s yard where the queen will stand, weather permitting.
The 47th annual Azalea Trail ceremony will be 2 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine, at the Garden Club, 810 Garden Club Drive.
WANT TO GO?
- What: 47th annual Azalea Trail ceremony
- When: 2 p.m. Sunday
- Where: Garden Club, 810 Garden Club Drive, Panama City
- Cost: Free