Ponchatoula Festival Aims to Inspire Next Generation of Strawberry Farmers

PONCHATOULA, La. — The annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from April 11 to 13, showcasing the region’s strawberry farmers and philanthropy. The festival, which celebrates Louisiana‘s state fruit, aims to inspire a new generation of growers amid an evolving agricultural landscape.

This year’s festival features Darryl Poche, the crowned king, who embodies a deep commitment to strawberry farming. “It’s really a passion and a love for the farming,” Poche said. He has worked alongside his wife at Landry Poche Farm in Springfield for over 40 years, nurturing approximately 110,000 strawberry plants across eight acres.

Poche humorously describes one of his farm roles as a “taste tester.” He and his wife have integrated education into their farming practices, inviting students for regular field trips to their farm. During these visits, Poche recalls children stepping off the bus with wide eyes and exclaiming, “Wow, you all must be rich!” When he inquires about this perception, they point out the grass in the front and back yards, demonstrating a disconnect from the reality of agricultural life.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival promotes the labor of love that Poche and other local farmers exhibit. Grand Marshal Rhonda Sheridan highlighted the importance of the festival by stating, “You get to see Farmers Row and support all the farmers with their berries and their jams and all their products that they work all year to supply for the festival.”

The festival also serves as a significant platform for local nonprofits, showcasing their contributions to the community. Sheridan noted, “It’s a lot of fun to not only see all the economic development that it brings in with the parade and the festival, but just everything that our merchants and our downtown people look for.”

As Poche concludes his reign as king, he emphasizes the historical roots of farming in his family. He recalls his wife telling her grandfather that she would continue to grow berries on their farm. “We have kept that promise, and hopefully we’ll continue on,” he said, expressing hope for the enduring legacy of strawberry farming in Ponchatoula.

Festival attendees can expect live music, delicious strawberry treats, and a range of activities that highlight the local agriculture movement. As the town gears up for a busy weekend, attendees are advised to plan for increased traffic leading into Ponchatoula and explore various parking options available, including local church grounds.