CHARLESTON FESTIVAL IN 24TH YEAR

The annual Charleston Dogwood Azalea Festival promises something for every member of the family an art show, quilt show, Civil War reenactment, a parade, candlelight walk and an ice cream social.

The 24th annual festival is scheduled for April 11 and 12. It is sponsored by the Charleston Chamber of Commerce.

Local artists and quilters are invited to participate in the shows, which will be going on both days.

The Molly French Garden Club plant sale will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, along with a lunch and bake sale on April 11.

The Dogwood-Azalea Queen and the Junior Princess will be chosen in interviews on the day before the festival begins. Both will be crowned on the lawn of the Mississippi County Historical House on April 11, before the parade.

Other activities scheduled in Rolwing Park are live music, square dancers, a "run for fun," dog show, gospel singers, food stands and carnival rides.

As one of the highlights of the festival, the Big River Volunteer War re-enactors will conduct a Living History Encampment through the weekend. Visitors may tour the camp, set up south of Charleston on Highway 60-62.

For further information, contact the Charleston Chamber of Commerce at 683-6509.