Invited Guests

Elizabeth Sheats

Wilmington native Elizabeth Reynolds Sheats has had a passion for art, travel, and design as long as she can remember. For over a decade, she’s found work as a full-time artist both rewarding and challenging. Elizabeth is best known for her vivid and hope-giving tree canopies as well as her series of local landmark Christmas ornaments. She works in both acrylic and watercolor media.

As a young child, Elizabeth took classes at St. John’s Museum of Art (now the CAM) and entered numerous children’s art competitions. She continued her training with degrees in Studio Art and Interior design and was lucky enough to study abroad in both Italy and France.

A one-time Azalea Belle and a faithful attendee of the Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour, Elizabeth is deeply honored to be the 2026 Azalea Festival Artist. When she’s not painting or traveling, Elizabeth can often be found at Wrightsville Beach with her amazing husband Livingston, her three fun-loving boys, and their rescue hound, Rosie.

Discover her work at www.elizabethsheats.com

Miss NC Sophia Kellstrom

Sophia Kellstrom, the 87th Miss North Carolina, was crowned in June and proudly represented the Tar Heel State at the 104th Miss America Competition. A graduate of UNC Charlotte and a lifelong changemaker, Sophia is the founder of Pennies for Heaven, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity. For over 20 years, she has fed families and led initiatives to end hunger on the local, state, national, and international levels proving that even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Sophia created a school curriculum and authored the children’s book Sophie the Superhero to empower young minds. Through her work, she encourages every child to embrace the message that “Helping is their superpower.”

A proud North Carolinian, Sophia is also a longtime lover of the North Carolina Azalea Festival and its rich traditions. She has had the distinct honor of serving on the Queen’s Court on two separate occasions, most recently in 2024 as Miss Davidson County, and is thrilled to return this year as Miss North Carolina to take part in the festivities, celebrate alongside the community, and continue a tradition that holds a special place in her heart!

Louis Bourgault - WWII Veteran

Louis Bourgault is a World War II veteran who served as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific theater. At just 16 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was initially too young to enlist, but joined the Marine Corps as soon as he turned 17. Bourgault trained at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune before being assigned to the 21st Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

He saw intense combat in major battles, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. During the fierce fighting on Iwo Jima, Bourgault was wounded by Japanese mortar fire while crossing an airfield and was medically evacuated. From a hospital ship, he witnessed the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi.

At the age of 100, Bourgault remains active in sharing his experiences with younger generations and honoring the memory of those who did not return. He has spoken at schools and commemorative events, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices of his fellow Marines. Bourgault is an Ambassador for the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina and is seen frequently on the Battleship giving tours and talking with vistors.