The first festival dates back to 1939, when Azalea Park was dedicated by Samuel H.
“The Oregon Heritage Tradition designation recognizes events more than 50 years old that represent what it means to be an Oregonian,” as stated on the Oregon.gov website.
“The first year Martha Hassett was selected queen by an essay she wrote,” she said.
There used to be a number of marching bands in earlier years that would come from other areas to compete in the parade, she said.
The blooms can been seen throughout the city, including at Azalea Park, at 640 Old Country Road in Brookings.
On Sunday morning, the square dancers would perform on the beach and on Friday and Saturday night, they would dance in the high school gymnasium, she said.
A new event this year is the Shrimp Feed, which will kick off the festival on Friday night from 7-10 pm, Bubert said.
In 2007, Rettke started Pacific Coast Alternatives with Don Tilton, which she continued to operate until she retired in 2021.
She is married to Tim Rettke, City of Brookings Public Works Supervisor, who also has been very involved in the Azalea Festival parade since 2003.
No bullying, name calling, or insults.