The 37th annual Louisiana Strawberry Festival is just around the corner. The festivities are April 11-13 this year. I realize the thought may cross one's mind that it's a bit ridiculous to devote an entire festival to a fruit, but I grew up with this annual tradition so I understand it.
Call me a country bumpkin; call me a hick, I don't care. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing better than strawberries fresh from the field with sugar and cream. At this very moment, there is a bowl of sliced strawberries in my refrigerator, marinating with sugar. In a few hours, they will be ready for me to pour cream over them and enjoy.
Like most small town festivals, the Strawberry Festival is more about re-connecting with old friends than celebrating a type of fruit or vegetable. Don't get me wrong - the food is incredible, and strawberry wine is delicious, but the real draw is never knowing who you may run into when you go... your favorite teacher, the first boy you ever loved, the girl you sat next to in chem class.
So before you write off our Strawberry Festival as unworthy of your time or hokey or just downright dumb, consider the old friends you can see or the new ones you may make.