The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is back, drawing thousands to one of Louisiana’s most beloved annual celebrations — and strawberries are the star of the show!
Strawberry Treats (and Drinks!) Everywhere
Of course, festival visitors will find plenty of treats made with Sweet Ponchatoula strawberries, including one local favorite — strawberry daiquiris.
Sean Benoit, owner of Stray Cats bar in Ponchatoula, told WGNO’s Kenny Lopez that the festival opens up big opportunities for local sales.
“With the festival, it always opens up new opportunities for more sales,” Benoit said.
Benoit said Stray Cats sells up to 500 gallons of strawberry daiquiris during the festival weekend — and it’s all homemade. The process starts with grinding fresh strawberries, adding rum, and pouring the mixture into daiquiri machines to get the perfect consistency without icy chunks.
“It’s a lot of work to tie into one weekend, but it’s definitely worth it,” he explained.
At Stray Cats, everything goes into the machine in bulk. As the daiquiri level drops, staff refill it with more strawberry goodness throughout the day.
More Strawberry Flavors
Strawberries don’t stop at daiquiris. Stray Cats also crafts a Strawberry Long Island Iced Tea, using their signature strawberry daiquiri mix to give it a sweet, berry twist.
If you’re visiting the festival and want to stop by for a drink, Stray Cats is located at:
📍 136 N. 6th St., Ponchatoula
Whether you’re there for the sweets, the music, or the community spirit, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is a must‑visit spring event for locals and visitors alike.
