DOGWOOD-AZALEA FEST SET FOR THIS WEEKEND AT CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON -- A few azaleas are in bloom and the dogwood trees are just starting to blossom, but Charleston welcomes spring this weekend with the 28th annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival.

Festivities begin today and continue through Sunday. Charleston homes and gardens feature flowering dogwoods and azaleas.

Cold weather has delayed blossoms, but a spokesman with the Charleston Chamber of Commerce said the festival continues as planned.

"The dogwoods are ready to open," she said. "And some of the smaller azaleas have some color in them."

If warm weather continues over the next few days, the color should improve, she said.

"I don't think they will be at their full peak, but it should be beautiful." She predicted that next weekend the flowers will be even better.

Touring in Charleston is easy this weekend. A pink stripe has been painted on city streets. A quilt show and plant sale will be held.

On Saturday a parade begins at 10 a.m., and more entrants are still welcome. The Waterloo German Band will march in the parade and perform at Rolwing Park from 1 to 3 p.m.

The highlight of the weekend is Saturday night's Candlelight Walk. The entire tour route is lined with luminaries. People can walk the route or view the luminaries from their vehicles.

A Run for Fun is planned Sunday.

Many years ago a Charleston gardener named Molly French started giving her friends plantings to celebrate the coming of spring. From her gifts sprouted the idea for the festival. The theme is "A Touch of Magic in the Spring."