Read the full stored bill text
2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7
BY SENATOR WHEAT AND REPRESENTATIVE COATES
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To designate Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Day at the
Louisiana State Capitol.
WHEREAS, the Louisiana strawberry is the official state fruit of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, strawberries comprise about $8,300,000 in total gross farm value in
Tangipahoa Parish and more than $12,000,000 statewide; and
WHEREAS, the fifty-fourth annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival will be held
April 10-12, 2026, at Memorial Park in the beautiful and historic city of Ponchatoula; and
WHEREAS, organized in 1971, the first Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival was held
in April of 1972, co-sponsored by the Ponchatoula Jaycees and the Ponchatoula Chamber
of Commerce, as each organization provided three of its members to serve on the initial
festival board; and
WHEREAS, the initial intent of the board was to host a festival to provide an
opportunity for local charitable organizations to raise money for their clubs, to honor all of
the hardworking local strawberry farmers, and to promote the strawberry industry; and
WHEREAS, for over fifty years, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has become
a venue for fund-raising by nonprofit and charitable organizations while celebrating the rich
agricultural heritage and vibrant community spirit of Ponchatoula, the "Strawberry Capital
of the World"; and
WHEREAS, each year, distinguished individuals are chosen to serve as festival
royalty, representing the festival and its traditions with honor, pride, and enthusiasm; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Louisiana Strawberry Queen LIV, Aubrey Renee' Brumfield,
is honored with this esteemed title to signify her role as an ambassador of the festival and
the values it upholds; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival King LIV is David Atkins,
who was selected for his dedication to the festival and the community; and
Page 1 of 2
SCR NO. 7 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, the 2026 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Blossom is Heather
Robertson, who exemplifies grace and community involvement and is particularly
recognized for her contributions and commitment to the festival and the farming industry;
and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Grand Marshal is Emily
McKneely Matise; she is given the prestigious role of leading the festival parade, an honor
reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Ponchatoula
community; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Festival Chairman, Rueben Auter, has provided invaluable
leadership and direction in ensuring the continued success of the Ponchatoula Strawberry
Festival, making this event a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, the contributions of these individuals to the Ponchatoula Strawberry
Festival reflect their passion for preserving the culture and history of this renowned event,
which continues to bring joy and economic benefits to the region; and
WHEREAS, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival attracts both young and old to its
annual celebration of Ponchatoula's legendary delicacy, with food booths featuring popular
choices like strawberry shortcakes and deep-fried strawberries; and
WHEREAS, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has the unique status as one of the
only festivals at which nonprofit organizations are the only vendors on the official festival
grounds.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
designate Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Day at the Louisiana
State Capitol and does hereby recognize the wonderful activities of this exceptional festival
and its contributions to the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
chairman of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2