SOUTH GATE : 28th Azalea Fest Under Way Today

The 28th annual Azalea Festival kicks off today with the announcement of the festival’s queen and grand marshal at the South Gate Park girls clubhouse, 4940 Southern Ave.

The 4 p.m. announcement, known as the “Royal Hawaiian Queen’s Reception,” will be followed by a 5 p.m. “aloha chicken” dinner at the auditorium next to the clubhouse. The dinner costs $5 and is sponsored by the South Gate Rotary Club.

Named after the city’s official flower, the festival has a different theme each year. This year, it is “Hawaiian Happenings.”

The queen and grand marshal, who will represent the city at community functions during 1993, are chosen by a committee of past winners. Two women and two men--each a South Gate resident, older than 60 and a community activist--were nominated for the honor this year by citizens, service groups and the Police Department.

The festival continues March 11 through March 21. It will feature more than two dozen events. including carnivals and a car show. The events will take place at the park, South Gate High School, Bank of America on Tweedy Boulevard and at local churches.

Information: (213) 563-5443.