Rhododendron Festival blooms again amid flood recovery

  • Submitted photo. The new 2026 NC Rhododendron Queen Kaylyn Fairchild and Junior Queen Kimber Ostrander were crowned Saturday. From left are Scout Stevenson (congeniality), GraceLynn Lovick (second runner up), Eliza Bray (first runner up, evening gown, talent) Kimber (junior queen and interview), Kaylyn (queen, and also winning interview and swimsuit), and Gracyn Strickland (first runner up, talent and congenitally winner).
    Submitted photo. The new 2026 NC Rhododendron Queen Kaylyn Fairchild and Junior Queen Kimber Ostrander were crowned Saturday. From left are Scout Stevenson (congeniality), GraceLynn Lovick (second runner up), Eliza Bray (first runner up, evening gown, talent) Kimber (junior queen and interview), Kaylyn (queen, and also winning interview and swimsuit), and Gracyn Strickland (first runner up, talent and congenitally winner).
    Sarah Atkins mnjreporter@gmail.com   “Nine months ago, we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to do this,” said Charlie B...

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