VALDOSTA — The 24th Annual Valdosta-Lowndes Azalea Festival is now accepting vendor applications and sponsors. Local vendors and non-profits are encouraged to apply now.

“We are aiming to make the 24th Annual Azalea Festival the biggest and best yet,” said Executive Director H. Aaron Strickland. “The 2023 festival was a tremendous success thanks to our patrons, volunteers, sponsors, and board members.”

The 2024 Azalea Festival, a full two-day event, scheduled for March 9 and 10 in Drexel Park, attracts more than 25,000 people, providing a major boost to the local economy and a way for local businesses to show their support for this beloved regional event, organizers said in a press release.

The festival attracts vendors from all over the country with unique arts & craft items. This year, more than 250 vendors from as far away as Michigan participated in the festival. Vendors ranged from arts and crafts to homemade candies, cakes, soaps, and jams, and the Azalea Festival is looking to add a few more vendors and variety for the 2024 event.

“The vision of the Azalea Festival is to work to showcase the best of South Georgia and more,” Strickland said.

In addition to a variety of unique arts & craft vendors, the Azalea Festival also offers multiple stage areas of live entertainment, a KidZone area for children, a classic car and motorcycle show, VLPRA Azalea 5k run and more during the two-day event, which sees more than 25,000 people. The Azalea Festival is able to offset a majority of the costs of its attractions and special events through sponsorships and donations from local businesses, families, and organizations.

Vendors and sponsors interested in participating in the festival are encouraged to visit www.azaleafestival.com, email info@azaleafestival.com, or call (229) 269-9381 for more information. Several sponsorship levels and options are available. Please inquire for sponsorship by Jan. 12 to ensure mention in the festival brochure.