Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is an annual celebration of Louisiana's sweetest crop, the strawberry. Held in the heart of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, the festival is a fun-filled weekend of family-friendly entertainment, delicious food, and live music.

History

The festival began in 1972 as a way to celebrate the strawberry harvest and has since grown into one of Louisiana's largest and most popular events. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond flock to Ponchatoula to join in the festivities.

Activities: The festival features a wide variety of activities for all ages. Some of the most popular include:

• Live music: The festival features multiple stages with a lineup of local and national musicians, spanning a wide range of genres.

• Parade: The festival features a parade on Saturday morning, with colorful floats and marching bands making their way through downtown Ponchatoula.

• Carnival rides and games: The festival has a midway with a variety of carnival rides and games, sure to entertain visitors of all ages.

• Food vendors: The festival is known for its delicious food, with dozens of vendors offering everything from traditional festival fare to local Cajun and Creole cuisine. Of course, strawberries are a staple, with vendors selling everything from strawberry shortcake to strawberry lemonade.

• Strawberry eating contests: Visitors can also participate in strawberry eating contests, a fun and lighthearted competition that always draws a crowd.

Community Impact: The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is not just a fun event, but also a significant economic driver for the community. The festival provides a boost to the local economy, with vendors, musicians, and other participants coming from across the region to participate.

In addition, the festival has a positive impact on the community beyond its economic contributions. The festival is run entirely by volunteers, with proceeds going to support local schools and organizations. Over the years, the festival has raised millions of dollars for the community, making it a vital part of the fabric of Ponchatoula.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is an annual celebration of Louisiana and it’s favorite crop, the strawberry. It offers visitors a fun-filled weekend of family-friendly entertainment, delicious food, and live music. In addition, the festival provides significant economic and community benefits to the town of Ponchatoula. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor passing through, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is a must-visit event that offers something for everyone.