Annual Community Events
Festival of the Dogwood (April)
The Festival of the Dogwood began in 1971, but the dogwood had already become a favorite in Audubon Park about fifty years earlier, and the Garden Club had been encouraging its planting for almost that long. Club promotional projects had included both residential and public park plantings in Wren Park, with dogwoods donated and planted by area residents during World War ll, in honor of family members serving in the Armed Forces. A festival honoring dogwoods was, therefore, a very appropriate project for the Audubon Park Garden Club. The idea of focusing spotlights on dogwood trees was brought before the club by Mrs. Marjorie Davis during her presidential term (1969-1971). The club approved the project and the first festival was held April 20-25, 1971, during the presidential term of Mrs. Herbert L. Smith (1971-1973). This exhibition of beauty became an annual event with the long-range purpose of beautification, conservation, anti-litter, and community spirit promotion. The original six night affair later became a three night event. The Festival has had six chairmen: Mrs. Gene Lanter, who served both before and after the second chairman, Mrs. Marian Gudridge, Mrs. Polly Henderson, Mrs. Ruth Henriksen, Ms. Jane Slaughter, and Mrs. Diane Osborne. In 2015, the city's Park and Recreation Board took over the planning of the event.
In April each year, Audubon Park becomes a fantasy land - a dazzling, panoramic spectacle of magical beauty, where spring blossoms dance and curtsy before the spotlights. Dogwoods and other flowering shrubs and trees in Wren Park and on residential lawns along 43 city blocks are the "stars" of the show.
In April each year, Audubon Park becomes a fantasy land - a dazzling, panoramic spectacle of magical beauty, where spring blossoms dance and curtsy before the spotlights. Dogwoods and other flowering shrubs and trees in Wren Park and on residential lawns along 43 city blocks are the "stars" of the show.
Independence Day Parade (July)
The City of Audubon Park hosts an Annual 4th of July Parade, first proposed by resident Patrick Kehoe. This event, held dependent on weather conditions, is usually marked with a parade led by a local fire truck and encourages area children and the “young at heart” to decorate their bikes, strollers, scooters , etc in patriotic finery for a route that winds through Audubon Park, culminating in refreshments and fellowship.
Community Christmas Celebration (December)
The Audubon Park Garden Club sponsors an annual holiday gathering the 2nd Sunday in December at City Hall, typically between 6 and 8 p.m. Refreshments are provided including hot beverages such as coffee and hot cider, holiday cookies and other delicious treats. This Christmas Open House is a wonderful opportunity to kickoff the holiday season and to promote fellowship and community spirit with neighbors and friends. The residents of Audubon Park are encouraged to light up and decorate their doorways, homes and street lamp posts for the holiday season so that Audubon Park looks its best for the many visitors who enjoy driving through our historic neighborhood at this time of year.
