The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, held from April 12-14, 2024, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, is a cherished event celebrating the town’s title as the Strawberry Capital of the World since 1972. This festival, the state’s largest free harvest festival, attracts around 300,000 visitors annually. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities such as live music, rides, and delicious food and drinks from local non-profit vendors. The festival features time-honored traditions like the Strawberry Eating Contests and the Egg Toss, promising fun for all ages.

One of the highlights of the festival is the introduction of the Strawberry Royalty on Friday night, followed by live music. Saturday’s events include a vibrant parade, more live music, and engaging activities like the strawberry eating contest. The festival wraps up on Sunday with a one-mile run, carnival rides, and more live music to close out the celebration.

Visitors to the festival can indulge in a variety of strawberry-themed treats like strawberry shortcake and deep-fried strawberries. Additionally, there are opportunities to purchase fresh strawberries from local growers along Farmers Row. For those interested in pick-your-own strawberry farms, nearby Livingston Parish offers options like Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Patch and Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is not only a celebration of strawberries but also a testament to community spirit and local traditions that have made it a beloved event for over five decades.

📌 Ponchatoula Memorial Park – N. 6th Street, Ponchatoula, LA
🌐 LaStrawberryFestival.com

Here are 5 facts about the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival:

1. Inaugural Festival: The first Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival was held in April 1972 with only 11 booths and a parade of 65 units, drawing around 15,000 people over two days.
2. Strawberry Capital: Ponchatoula earned the title of the “Strawberry Capital of the World” in 1968, surpassing Hammond in strawberry production and hosting the largest strawberry festival globally.
3. Annual Celebration: Since 1972, the festival has grown into the largest free harvest festival in Louisiana, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually for three days of traditions, food, music, and family fun.
4. Food Delights: Visitors can enjoy a variety of strawberry dishes at the festival, including the famous strawberry shortcake made with fresh local berries and deep-fried strawberries coated in a beignet batter.
5. Community Support: The festival supports local non-profit organizations through food sales and activities like strawberry eating contests, egg tosses, sack races, and more while maintaining its small-town charm despite its large attendance.