Ponchatoula Traditions

BY CRISTIE ANN ADDISON

Iwas asked to write an article about the Traditions of Ponchatoula, and being from the South, traditions are a huge part of my life, from Birthdays and Holidays to Anniversaries. Traditions are something that we base our lives around. In Ponchatoula, there are many traditions within this tiny community. Each year fills with events, such as Strawberry Festival, Gumbo Cook-offs, Pageants, Parades, etc. Eight thousand people live in the town, and within this community are plenty of organizations with their own particular traditions that not only help the community but bring it together as a whole. One such organization is the Strawberry Festival Board, with their Strawberry Festival Ball announcing their Queen and King, Strawberry Parade, unveiling the strawberry poster each year, and the one and only Strawberry Festival, one of the largest in the state.

Upcoming Events

June 3

• City Wide Yard Sell from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m

July 22

• Christmas in July from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

August 26

• Buds and Suds from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Strawberries are a staple here in Ponchatoula thanks to the traditions of our Strawberry farmers who tend to their land and then sell this delicious fruit as their ancestors did years ago. Farmers will sell Strawberries on the side of the roads, at local grocers, and at big festivals. We wouldn’t be Strawberry Capital if it weren’t for the traditions from our farmers and workers.

Come to Ponchatoula and make your own traditions. You can’t wake up without your morning coffee and mouth-watering breakfast at Paul’s Cafe while enjoying the outside scenery from Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM- 2:00 PM. Then head to Trails End Antiques to find their newest yet oldest collection of vintage finds, open seven days a week. On your way around town, say hello to our friends at Toula Title and take a picture at their Selfie bench, then walk across the street and take a photo with a giant strawberry statue open MondaySaturday. When daylight fades, go to J Rockers House of Soul for traditional home-cooked southern food with music on the side—open from Wednesday-Thursday 4:00 PM - 9:00, Friday and Saturday, 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM.

We live surrounded by Traditions passed down to us from generation to generation, and they will continue as long as we keep our traditions alive. Next time you’re in town, take a minute, absorb the old buildings, the shops, restaurants, and the people in town, and think of what made this town what is today, Traditions.

For more information on events, shopping and dining in Ponchatoula, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce at 985-386-2536 or chamber@ ponchaotulachamber.com