On February 25, 1965, five concerned South Gate residents met in the office of the Chamber of Commerce to form the South Gate Beautification Committee. The first committee members included Chamber Manager William Green, Chamber President, Charles Benner, City Councilman Leland Weaver, Mrs. Caryl Clearihue and Mrs. Don Sawyer, who was appointed Chairperson. Three objectives were chosen for this first year: (1) naming an official City flower, (2) presenting awards for property improvements, and (3) a City-wide clean and paint campaign. The Chairperson also expressed a desire for the City of South Gate to host an event that would awaken civic pride and call attention to our fine City. Within six months the Beautification Committee's membership grew to twenty members, determined to revitalize a seemingly aging city. A few months later, with the help of Beautification Committee member Frank Ishida, the Azalea was adopted by the City Council as South Gate's official flower. It was further recommended that the City host a civic event during the time when Azaleas were in bloom leading to the City's first Azalea Festival. It was on April 16-17, 1966 that the first Azalea Festival was held. Beginning that year, the Beautification Committee saw a need to honor the women of the community who had volunteered their talents to improving South Gate's image. In that spirit, an Azalea Queen has been crowned each year, who is at least sixty years old, and has served her community in numerous capacities. Euphrosine Green was chosen the first Azalea Queen and has been followed by many more worthy and dedicated Queens. Selection of an Honor Court was started in 1967. Each service club and community organization is annually requested to submit a volunteer of any age or sex, who best exemplifies their organization's commitment to serving the South Gate community. The third Azalea Festival in 1968 saw the addition of a Community Parade and a Grand Marshal, to honor a male senior citizen who, like the Azalea Queen, had given significant time and energy to improve the community. During the 1970's the Azalea Festival grew from its first two-day event to a week-long event, which included a carnival and was preceded by a Queen's Reception. The 1980's saw greater involvement by the South Gate City Council and Parks and Recreation Department in organizing and funding the Azalea Festival. It was also during this period that the Azalea Festival expanded to almost two weeks, to include a variety of athletic tournaments. In 1994, troubles were already brewing in city politics and an attempt was made by then Mayor Albert Robles to move the Azalea Festival to May and make it a Cinco de Mayo festival. This attempt was adamantly rejected by all segments of the community and the City Council backed down, restoring funding to the Azalea Festival. Through the next decade, the Azalea Festival and the community organizations who organized it continued to feel the strain of the communities changing demographics. With the community focus on the turmoil at City Hall, little was done to keep the Azalea Festival up to date with the changing needs of the community. In 2005, the Azalea Festival was canceled all together. A community recently united to drive corruption from City Hall only a few years earlier now rallied to save its Azalea Festival. As we approach the 50 th year of South Gate s Azalea Festival, many of the events in this year s Azalea Festival are much different from those first few years. However, one aspect remains true, the festival still reflects and celebrates what is best about our town and honors those who devote their efforts to making it better.
Dear Residents, It was an honor to serve as the 2014 Azalea Queen. The highlight of my year as queen was attending the ribbon cuttings and grand openings in the beautiful Azalea shopping complex at Firestone and Atlantic. We are fortunate to have such a variety of popular retail stores and restaurants in South Gate. I encourage everyone to join me and shop in South Gate!! My reign as Queen will soon end when another deserving woman, chosen for her outstanding volunteer service, is crowned Azalea Queen 2015 at the Volunteer Recognition event during the 50 th Annual Azalea Festival in March. Check out the Azalea Festival calendar and come join the fun!! Paula Grimes, 2014 Azalea Queen The City of South Gate Parks & Recreation Department is please to be a part of the 50 th annual Azalea Festival. This year s event will include some of the historic events such as the Car Show as well as brand new events such as an Azalea Gardening Workshop and an Agility Competition and Workshop at the City s new Dog Park. In keeping with the purpose of the Azalea Festival, the Taste of South Gate will highlight some of South Gate s best new restaurants and the Teen Fashion Show will display the latest fashion trends from our local designers, producers and retailers. The Youth Art Night will bring local artists together with children from the community to share their talents and techniques with the next generation of South Gate Artists and the Community Stage, located at the Carnival will display lots of local talent who are learning to sing, dance and perform in classes sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department. The highlight of the event is the Volunteer Recognition Event where local organizations will recognize those outstanding community members who have volunteered their time and talents to help our residents and our community this past year. From those nominated and recognized by their organization, a Youth Volunteer of the Year and an Adult Volunteer of the Year will be selected and honored. Finally, an Azalea Queen and Grand Marshal will be chosen and crowned, to be honored throughout the year for their lifetime of service to the community. A reception and dance will follow the ceremony. With this being the 50 th annual Azalea Festival, all of the participating groups and community members are working hard to make sure that this is the best Azalea Festival yet. Every event will include something special to honor the fifty year history. On Friday night, near the Carnival, the City will be sponsoring a Fireworks Display in honor of this events long history with our community. Hope we see you there! Paul L. Adams, Director of Parks & Recreation
March 18-22, 2015 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 18 19 20 21 22 Youth Art Night Art Classes & Exhibits Ages 4-15 4:30p - 7:30p Auditorium Volunteer Recognition & Azalea Queen/ Grand Marshall Event Auditorium 6p - 7p Dancing 7:30p - 9:30 Carnival - Large Quad 5p - 10p Taste of South Gate Sample Delicacies From Local Restaurants Auditorium 6p - 8p Presale: 1x $15 2x $25 Fireworks Display Large Quad 8:30p Carnival - Large Quad 5p - 11p Azalea Plant Workshop Margaret Travis Sr. Center 10-11am Softball & Baseball Tourney Small Quad 9a - 5p Dog Agility Course Hollydale Dog Park 10am Skate Demo at SG Skate Park (Ages 13-18) 11a - 3p Karate Invitational Tournament 8a - 5p Sports Center $5 Adults 5 & under Free Softball & Baseball Tourney Small Quad 9a - 5p Car Show Golf Course 10a - 4pm $12 Adults 12 & under $6 Community Stage 1p - 4pm Carnival Area Miss Azaleita Contest Girls Club House (Girls 4-7) 1p - 3p $3 Carnival - Large Quad 2p - 10p Youth Fashion Show Auditorium 6p $5 Carnival - Large Quad 2p - 11p For more information, call the Parks Administration Office at 323.563.5479
The South Gate Art Association Invites all South Gate children to the March 18, 2015 4:30pm - 7:30pm Ages: 4-15 At the South Gate Park Auditorium 4900 Southern Avenue South Gate 90280 Have fun learning about fine art or how to create art with sculpting clay. Discover the differences between acrylic and oil paints, soft pastel and oil pastel; how to sketch with color pencils or charcoal. Bring your family and friends! All children must be accompanied by an adult For more information, call Sharon King at 323.440.8357
You are cordially invited to the Volunteer Recognition and Azalea Queen & Grand Marshall Coronation Hosted by the South Gate Women s Club Join us on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Featuring Swing Band "Nine Carat Gold" For your dancing and listening pleasure 7:30pm - 9:30pm South Gate Park Municipal Auditorium 4900 Southern Avenue South Gate, 90280 The event is free but tickets are required For additional information, please call: Ana Medina, 323-357-9645
City of South Gate Parks & Recreation Department Come celebrate with the City of South Gate Community as we begin our 50 th Azalea Festival. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show presented by Pyro Spectacular! For more information please call the Parks Administration Office at (323) 563-5479.
City of South Gate Parks & Recreation Department Azalea Planting & Care Workshop SATURDAY March 21, 2015 10-11 AM - Free Admission At MARGARET TRAVIS SENIOR CENTER 4855 Tweedy Blvd.
Hosted by the Multicultural Women s Club Saturday, March 21, 2015 1:00 p.m. South Gate Park ~ Girls Club House The Miss Azalealita Contest is open to girls 4 to 7 years of age residing in the City of South Gate. Elementary schools are encouraged to participate by selecting a representative Why Participate? Miss Azalealita will have the opportunity to represent the City of South Gate in community events, such as, the Azalea Festival Events, Community Stages, Christmas Lane Parade, etc. How is Miss Azalealita Chosen? Interviews: Judges will spend time with each contestant one week before the event Talent: Must demonstrate a talent such as, singing, dancing, play an instrument, artistic or physical ability, etc. Evening Gown competition: Each contestant must wear a gown TO SIGN-UP, COMPLETE THE INFORMATION FORM ON THE BACK OF THIS FLYER SIGN UP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Participant Information Requirements Be between the ages of 4 through 7 Must be available to participate in community events (it is encouraged to attend as many Azalea Festival events as possible) Have a friendly personality Have a talent (to be demonstrated during the talent portion of the contest) Communicate well with others Fill out this Information Form and return it to: Yadira Bonilla, S.G. City Hall - Water Department, 8650 California Avenue, South Gate There is no registration fee. Name: Parents Name: Address: Phone: Age: Grade: School: For more information, please contact Sonia Miranda at 323.365.5672