Jennifer Farish will reign over Sunday’s Azalea-Dogwood Festival

She was groomed for the role she will play Sunday.

Jennifer Farish, 17, the 2009 Azalea-Dogwood Festival queen, has been around Dothan’s annual salute to spring and its floral extravaganza her entire life. It’s only fitting that the granddaughter of Edna Lane, a former president of the Federation of Garden Clubs, should reign over an event that Mrs. Lane helped direct for many years.

It’s a responsibility the Northview High School junior and daughter of John and Joyce Farish does not take lightly.

“The pageant is a big responsibility,” Farish said. “I wanted that responsibility. I want to be that special role model for the younger girls.”

Farish has been actively involved with the festival since the seventh grade. Two years ago, she was the second runner-up in the Princess Division. Now, she looks forward to balancing her busy schedule with the duties of serving as one of Dothan’s ambassadors.

“The Azalea-Dogwood Festival, and serving as its queen is real special,” said Farish, who is Junior Class president at Northview and serves in the Student Government Association. “It’s special because of how important things are in this community. I’m very excited about this responsibility. I will do my best to please the community.”

Serving her community comes naturally for this NHS cheerleader. That civic pride runs in her family.

“My mother (Mrs. Lane) was always involved in civic events,” Mrs. Farish said. “She was actively involved in the Azalea-Dogwood Festival and other civic events for a number of years.”

Farish, who hopes to pursue a degree in interior design at Troy University, is also a member of the Northview High tennis team, the Interact Club and the Spanish Club.

By attending Troy University, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her brother, Jesse Kelley, who is attending school on an ROTC scholarship and is pursuing a degree in nursing.

If her school activities are not enough to keep her busy, Farish is also very active in church work at First Baptist Church and serves on the Youth Council.

Even with her busy schedule, Farish does find time for some fun and relaxation.

“I enjoy being with my friends,” Farish said. “I also love to shop.”

And, yes, she has a penchant for one of her grandmother’s loves.

“As a family, we do a lot of gardening,” Farish said.

In addition to the Azalea-Dogwood Festival Trail, visitors to the annual floral event can also take part in “Sunday at the Park,” which will take place at Solomon Park on Choctaw Street.

For more information about the Azalea-Dogwood Festival, contact the Department of Leisure Services at 615-3700.