History of Flowertown and Azalea Park

In 1925 the local Chamber of Commerce adopted the slogan “Flower Town in the Pines,” and one of the favorite locations that features this natural beauty is Azalea Park. The park’s centerpiece is 16 acres purchased and donated to the town in the 1920 by a civic group that became the Flowertown Garden Club.

When the Great Depression began in 1929, Mayor Grange Cuthbert envisioned the park as an azalea-filled site that would draw visitors and support the local economy.

Cuthbert approached local nurseryman George Segelken, propagator of the “Pride of Summerville” and “Pride of Mobile” azaleas.

Segelken agreed to donate azaleas to the new park. The natural beauty of the downtown park has been complemented by the installation of bronze sculptures, through Sculpture in the South.

Every spring since 1973 thousands of people have flocked to the charming town of Summerville to take part in a festive, 3-day celebration of spring in the south. Aptly named the "Flowertown Festival," this year's event is April 3 - April 5 and marks the festival's 48th year. There's a little something for everyone in the family to enjoy and, not surprisingly, flowers and hospitality are most certainly in abundance.

What better way to celebrate the start of the spring season than being surrounded by gorgeous flowers, talented artists, and a fresh farmers market? Named as one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Summerville Flowertown Festival attracts around 250,000 people each year, which is certainly a testament to its popularity.