2025 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

Story by Dayne Commander | Photos by Riyen Helg

Annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival — A Celebration of Community & Tradition!

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, scheduled for April 11-13, 2025, at Ponchatoula Memorial Park. This cherished event, which began in 1972 with just two nonprofit booths, has flourished into Louisiana's largest free harvest festival, now featuring over 50 nonprofit booths and drawing between 300,000 to 500,000 visitors over its three-day span.

The festival's primary mission is twofold: to honor the dedicated local strawberry farmers and to support community nonprofit organizations. Each booth in Memorial Park is operated by a local nonprofit, offering a diverse array of foods and crafts, with all proceeds directly benefiting their respective causes. This setup not only provides festival-goers with unique local flavors and products but also fosters a spirit of community support and engagement.

Festival Chairman Tristen Miller, a lifelong resident of Ponchatoula, reflects on his deep-rooted connection to the event:

Entertainment is a cornerstone of the festival, with this year's lineup boasting over 20 live performances across two stages, encompassing genres from country and

Rock to Cajun music. Complementing the musical acts are more than 20 carnival rides, ensuring fun for attendees of all ages. Traditional contests, such as the Egg Toss and the Strawberry Eating Contest, are scheduled for Sunday, April 13, inviting participants to engage in friendly and spirited competition.

A highlight of the weekend is the annual parade, set to commence at 9:30 AM on Saturday, April 12. The procession will feature festival royalty, local businesses, and community groups, weaving through the heart of Ponchatoula and embodying the town's vibrant spirit.

This year's festival royalty includes Louisiana Strawberry Queen LIII Alexis Nicole Lee, King Darryl Poché, Blossom Christine "Chris" Threeton, and Grand Marshal Rhonda Smith Sheridan. These individuals exemplify the festival's dedication to tradition, agriculture, and community service.

In a historic first, Queen Alexis Nicole Lee represented the festival in New Orleans' renowned Krewe of Bacchus parade on March 2, 2025. This inclusion not only elevates the festival's profile but also highlights the significance of Louisiana's strawberry industry on a larger stage.

For the first time, festival attendees will have the opportunity to savor the famed strawberry daiquiris from Paul’s Café on the festival grounds. Known for their homemade blend of fresh local strawberries, these daiquiris have been a staple at Paul's Café and are now available in souvenir cups, sports bottles, and even by the gallon.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is more than just an event; it's a celebration of community, tradition, and the sweet success of local agriculture. As April approaches, make plans to experience a weekend filled with music, rides, contests, and, of course, the finest strawberries Louisiana has to offer. For more information and a detailed schedule, visit the official festival website at lastrawberryfestival.com.