Come to a Sweet Festival

Southern Living, Apr 2005 by McKinney, Wanda

Celebrate strawberries at this delicious party, less than an hour from New Orleans.

It's that time of year when strawberries begin their ruby-red appearance, and there's nowhere better to revel in that popular berry than in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, during their 33rd annual Strawberry Festival, held April 8-10 this year.

A Vine Time

This charming town, about 40 minutes from the New Orleans airport, promises a good time with activities, music, and strawberry dishes of every known (and even unknown) persuasion.

Sixty-seven booths fill downtown's North Sixth Street. Chow down on some boiled crawfish or a smoked sausage sandwich before moving on to the berry delights for sale. You'll find strawberry shortcake as well as ice cream, cookies, lemonade, pie, jam, and even beer.

Don't miss Berry Town Produce, one block south of Main Street, for pints of strawberries and strawberry wine ($10 for two bottles). You can also pick up chocolate-covered strawberries here (three for $1).

Antiques Galore

Strawberries are not Ponchatoula's only claim to fame. More than two dozen antiques and specialty stores dot the charming downtown area. Check out Oldies and Goodies on West Pine Street, where a huge selection of vintage Life magazines ($10 each) proves fascinating. C.J.'s Antiques & Collectibles on Railroad Avenue offers 14,000 square feet of multiple dealers.

Visit the Ponchatoula Country Market, which is housed in the old train depot. They sell handmade items, such as ceramics and jewelry, and homemade jellies and jams ($3.50 per jar).

Stop in the Collinswood School Museum for a little background on the history of strawberries and how Ponchatoula came to be called the Strawberry Capital of the World. And if festival fare wears you down, you can't lose at C'est Bon Restaurant (only open on Friday during the festival). Try the shrimp rémoulade salad ($9.95). It's a berry good way to end your day at the Strawberry Festival.

WANDA MCKINNEY

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival: April 8-10. Admission: free. Directions: From the New Orleans airport, take I-10 west to I-55 north. Then take Exit 26 (State 22) right into town. For more information: Call 1-800-917-7045, or visit www.lastrawberryfestival.com.