Regal Rhododendron Newlsetter

THE REGAL RHODODENDRON 2016
The 2015 North Carolina Rhododendron
Festival pageant culminated with the crowning
of two new Rhododendron Queens. Kellie
Pittman, the daughter of Ricky and Debbie
Pittman of Bakersville won the title of
Rhododendron Queen. Andi Creech of Burgaw
won the junior title. Andi, the daughter of
Buddy and Becky Creech also won the junior
talent, interview and evening gown awards.
Kellie received both the interview and evening
gown awards in the queen division.
Award winners in the junior
division were: Lani Reece,
congeniality, Madelyn Duncan,
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2 runner-up and Cassidy
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Gentry, 1 runner-up.
Queen division winners were:
Congeniality, Sarah Cope, talent and
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1 runner-up, Amber Townsend, and
Madison Wilson, swimsuit award and
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2 runner-up
Several former Rhododendron Queens were in attendance at the 2015
pageant. Participating in the tour of the gardens atop Roan Mountain were:
1999 Junior Queen and 2009 Queen, Laura Curtis Hodges, Chloe Hollified,
2012 Jr. Queen, Krista Rivenbark Strickland, 1999 Queen, Liddy Matthews
Bray, 2010 Queen and her daughter, Eliza, our 2015 Queens, Andrea Jhant
and Eavan Smith, Savannah Spencer, Jr. Queen, 2014, Judy Bryant Umminger,
1965 Queen, Sherree Banks Watson, Jr. Queen, 1965, Chelsea Wilson Thayer,
Queen 2005 and Lyndsay Banks Williams, Jr. Queen 2000. Sherree, Chelsea
and Lyndsay also served as pageant judges.
First official appearance: Street
dance fun with Mr. Bob and Brad!
Kellie and Andi kicked off their year with an appearance at the Southeast
Threshers Reunion where they rode in the Parade of Power, along with
Rhododendron daughter, Perry Kim. Later that week, they returned to
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Bakersville for contract signing and to celebrate July 4 with committee
members and townsfolk. They are pictured above just before the fireworks
display, enjoying music by local band, “Sugardaddy” along with queens’
assistants, Sophie and Perry.
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Rhododendron family members attending the
Watermelon Festival included, Janie and Bob
Hensley, Denise Jhant, Leslie Smith, Tara and Richie
Garland, Lici, Jr Q’13, Sophie and Troy, Heather
Webb, Roan and Perry, Henri Boston, Sharon Webb,
Eavan Smith, Jr. Q’15, Lindsey Robinson, Q’14,Lisa
Robinson, Macie Peterson, Andrea Jhant, Jr Q’10
and Q’15, Savannah Spencer, Jr Q’14, Rhonda
Spencer and Liddy Matthews Bray, Q’10 and
daughter, Eliza. Queens Kellie and Andi, along with
Becky, Buddy and Alex Creech also attended.
August and September were busy months for Jr Queen,
Andi. She attended 2 ribbon cutting ceremonies for new
businesses in Burgaw, the Shrimp Festival in Sneads
Ferry, the NC Rice Festival in Leland, the NC Apple
Festival in Hendersonville, the Dublin Peanut Festival
pageant and the Miss Riverfest crowning aboard the
USSNC Battleship. She also performed at the NC
Women’s Club State Convention. Kellie and Andi were
together again to enjoy some beach time at Autumn on
Topsail, and the same weekend, they made an
appearance at the NC Yam Festival.
Pink prevailed at the NC Watermelon Festival in Fair Bluff in
July. Rhododendron committee members were on hand to
support Lindsey Robinson, Q’14 and Lici Garland, Jr Q ‘13 as
they competed for the titles of Watermelon Queen and
Watermelon Teen Miss. Perry Kim, daughter of
Rhododendron committee member, Heather Webb also
competed in the Little Miss division and was 1st runner-up.
Kellie and Andi wrapped
up July and welcomed
August as they kicked off
a busy weekend with an
appearance at the
Mineral and Gem Festival
in neighboring Spruce
Pine. They are pictured
here with Mitchell County
Sheriff, Donald Street..
Afterwards, they traveled
to Murphreesboro to
attend the state
Watermelon Festival.
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On September 25 , Queen Kellie
traveled to Elkin, NC to attend the NC
Pumpkin Festival. She was
accompanied by 2013 Jr Queen, Lici
Garland, who is the reigning NC
Watermelon Festival Teen Miss. On
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October 24 , Kellie and Lici were
together in Bakersville at the Apple
Butter Festival, where they promoted
the book, History of the NC
Rhododendron Festival.
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On November 21 , Kellie and Andi participated in the Asheville Christmas parade, driven by Queen
Mother, Debbie. They traveled on to Denton where they performed at the Miss Denton pageant that
night. They were back in Bakersville the following Friday to officially kick off the holiday season by
throwing the switch for the town’s tree lighting ceremony. Before the festivities, Kellie and Andi had the
opportunity to visit with local business owners, Anita Conley of Anita’s Atelier and Tom Meeler of Helen’s.
The next day, they were back in Asheville to participate in a charity event for CarePartners, where they
volunteered their services by wrapping Christmas gifts.
The Christmas season was a very busy time for our
Rhododendron Queens. They rode in the Burnsville, Spruce Pine
and Bakersville parades, driven by our official Rhododendron
driver, Mr. Thomas Wilson, they visited the Brian Center in
Spruce Pine where they had the opportunity to visit with Mr.
O.D. Calhoun, former Rhododendron Queens’ business
manager, they accompanied Mr. Bob and Ms. Janie to The
Christmas Corner in Pineola where they were presented with a
live tree by Mr. Doug Clark, they attended a dinner with
committee members where they were presented with the first
half of their scholarship, and Andi had the opportunity to
participate in several parades near her hometown of Burgaw.
Spring’s arrival brought new and exciting appearance
opportunities for Kellie and Andi. In April, they were in
Wilmington to celebrate the Azalea Festival, and later that
month, they were in Statesville for the Dogwood Festival and
pageant, where they cheered on 2011 Jr Queen, Alora
Wilson, who won the title of Teen Dogwood Princess. In May,
it was on to Chadbourn and the Strawberry Festival, where
they met Miss North Carolina, Kate Peacock.
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From Our Rhododendron Queen, Kellie
How can it already be that bittersweet time of year when the
Strawberry Festival comes along and you blink and you're
crowning the next Rhododendron Queen? This year has flown
by, but lots of memories have been made. I want to thank
each and every one of you for your guidance and support.
You are the greatest pageant family a girl could ask for!
When I reflect on the year of ALL the amazing festivals, I have
to reflect on my time at the Azalea Festival. I think the reason I
loved it so much was because its celebrating something you
can't, well should not eat, like the Rhododendron Festival, and
carries such a prestigious weight just like Rhodo.
From the mountains to the coast I have learned so many fun facts and history about
our wonderful state that makes me even more proud to be Tar Heel born and bred.
I think it goes without saying how precious the relationship is between the junior and
senior queen, but my relationship with the Creech family is so dear to my heart. They
have hearts of gold and I am so blessed for how they have taken me in as their 4th
daughter!
I can't wait to be reunited with everyone during the 70th annual Rhododendron
Festival June 17&18! Get ready for some dancing or better yet square dancing!
Loyally,
Kellie Pittman
From Our Junior Rhododendron Queen, Andi
“Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow
until you find your dream.” How appropriate these words became
for me this year. I found my dream after being announced the
2016 NC JR. Rhododendron Queen.
I have had the journey of a lifetime representing
the fine people of Bakersville and the beautiful
beloved flowers we all cherish-our Rhododendrons.
I have traveled over 8000 miles from the coast to
the mountains many times. I have met so many
people who I am honored to call my friends. From
the very first appearance to the last I take away
special memories every time.
Being a Rhododendron Queen is more than looking pretty and wearing
a crown on your head. It is an honor and a commitment that most
people
people don’t understand. It is sharing, family, friendships, and most
importantly love. I have been shown so much love.
My time is coming to an end soon but the memories are deeply and forever etched in
my heart. Thank you for giving me this journey and opportunity. I hope I have made
Bakersville and the Rhododendrons proud. Andi Creech
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In addition to fulfilling the duties of a Rhododendron Queen, both Kellie and Andi have enjoyed much
success in other area of their lives over the past year. In the summer of 2015, Kellie interned with TV station,
WWAY in Wilmington. She completed her college studies the following December, and in early 2016,
temporarily relocated to Nashville to participate in an internship program with CMT. In May, she graduated
Magna Cum Laude from UNC-Charlotte with a double major in Communication and English, having
completed her course of study in only 3 ½ years. Kellie recently accepted a position with iHeartRadio, 99.9
KISS Country in Asheville.
Andi has been actively involved in local theater productions; she played the lead role in Alice in Wonderland
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at Broadway on 2 in July of last year. In September, she was on the cover of Wilmington’s Parent magazine
and the following month, she was voted the Peoples’ Choice Winner in the Wilmington’s Got Talent
competition. In 2016, Andi has had roles in 3 productions of the Thalian Association Theatre: It Takes 2 in
January, 101 Dalmations in February and The Secret Garden in April.
We are extremely proud of Kellie and Andi and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.
They have represented Bakersville and the NC Rhododendron Festival with dignity, charm and genuine class.
News From Our Rhododendron Family
Rosa Creech Marsh, Q’11
and husband, David
welcomed daughter Lily
Montgomery on October
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20 . Congratulations to
the Marsh family.
Congratulations to Lolita Buchanan, Q’59 on
her marriage to Mr. Gaylon Hefner in
November. Best wishes for a wonderful
future from your Rhododendron family.
Lolita and
husband, Gaylon
visited with
former business
manager, OD
Calhoun on the
day he celebrated
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his 106
birthday.
Alora Wilson, Jr Q’11 was
crowned Dogwood Teen Princess
in April. Congratulations, Alora!
Ashley Gilley Burleson, Q’04 and husband,
Nathan recently shared the news that son,
Zander Allen and daughter, Norah Kate will
soon achieve the status of big brother and
sister. Congratulations and best wishes to the
entire
Burleson
family.
Courtney Greene, Jr Q’04 welcomed the
New Year with her wedding to Thomas
Buchanan. Best wishes to the happy
couple from your Rhodo family!
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Stephanie Chang, Q’03 was kind
enough to share with us an update on
her son, Gabriel. Gabe was born in
January, 2012 more than 3 months
prematurely. He has overcome many
obstacles in his young life and
continues to be an inspiration to us all.
The Rhododendron family extends love
and hopes for continued progress to
Stephanie and Gabe.
Gabe is doing really well and has
continued to progress with his oral
feedings. I have been able to
introduce new foods to him. He will
finish another year of pre-K in June.
His vocabulary is growing and he is
even repeating some phrases. He
loves music and hockey. In April he
was able to meet and skate with
Brendan Woods of the Charlotte
Checkers and Carolina Hurricanes!
He was also able walk across the
finish line at the Iredell County
March of Dimes. Someday soon I
hope he will be able to attend his
first Rhododendron Pageant.
Many thanks to the Rhododendron Queens who came out
to show their love and support at the book launch of
History of the NC Rhododendron Festival in May of 2015.
Nyla Banner Greene, Jr Q’62, Judy Bryant Umminger, Q’65,
Savannah Spencer, Jr Q’14 and Gail Robertson Walker,
Q’62 were on hand to share in the event.
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This year marks the 70
anniversary of the NC
Rhododendron Festival.
We cordially invite each
and every one of our
queens to join us for this
year’s festival and
pageant as we celebrate
seven decades of
tradition honoring the
blooming of the world’s
largest Rhododendron
gardens atop beautiful
Roan Mountain. This
clipping was taken from
a local newspaper in
June, 1996 during our
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50 celebration.
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Please join us on June 17 and 18 , 2016 for the 70 annual NC
Rhododendron Festival and pageant. The festival committee extends a
cordial invitation. We look forward to seeing you! THINK PINK!!
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