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When a small group of friends first gathered in a Wilmington, NC backyard
in the summer of 1981, they would have almost no way of knowing that
they were building the framework for something extraordinary, or that
in that same summer, the Centers for Disease Control would first recognize
the epidemic that would change the world and define a generation. The
convergence of these two historic moments—one intimate, one global—would
form the foundations of an event that would go on to provide meaningful
assistance through spirited camaraderie and grand celebration.
The Crape Myrtle Festival grew in size as the emerging AIDS crisis widened
in scope. The event was moved to Chapel Hill, where its focus on the needs
of the local gay and lesbian community was soon concentrated on raising
funds for the HIV/AIDS service agencies throughout the Triangle area.
By the early 1990s, the gala celebration was preceded by such diverse
events as educational seminars, sports tournaments and concerts, thereby
extending the festival into a week-long event. In 1992, a group of dedicated
individuals initiated the process of incorporating CMF as a recognized
North Carolina non-profit organization. Crape Myrtle Festival received
state recognition as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in
May of 1993.
In the more than twenty-five years since its inaugural summer, the Crape Myrtle Festival has stayed focused on its goals and original vision. The dedication and vitality of the Crape Myrtle Court have created a landmark event that, through its scope and longevity, has raised over one-million dollars for the organizations it supports, fostered awareness and inspired hope for countless individuals throughout the community
