Community spirit shines at 38th annual LaSalle Strawberry Festival

The LaSalle Strawberry Festival was held last weekend with games, rides, a parade, entertainment and more being enjoyed by people from around the region.

Despite a quieter start to the final day of festivities, the 38th annual LaSalle Strawberry Festival once again proved why it remains one of the community’s favourite summer traditions.

Visitors gradually arrived at the festival grounds on Sunday, June 14, as many appeared to be taking their time before heading out for a day of rides, entertainment and sweet treats. 

By late morning, families were strolling through the grounds at the Vollmer Centre, with some making their first visit of the weekend and others returning to enjoy another serving of strawberries and ice cream.

According to Scott Bisson, the Town of LaSalle’s manager of culture and recreation, the four-day event delivered another successful year.

“The event has been really good all weekend,” said Bisson. “We’ve had some great weather so far, lots of people coming out and having a good time, and of course enjoying strawberries and ice cream.”

While attendance numbers were slightly below last year’s total, Bisson said participation remained strong and in line with recent festivals.

One of the biggest adjustments this year involved the annual parade. Construction along Front Road forced organizers to temporarily relocate the route to Laurier Drive, directly beside the festival site.

The change had an unexpected benefit, bringing many parade spectators directly into the festival grounds.

“We had a great parade, a lot of community organizations taking part,” he said. “But we did notice a lot more people coming right at the beginning of the festival because they were already right on the property.”

Children and families continued to make the most of the attractions throughout the day. 

Seven-year-old Morganne was thrilled after riding her favourite attraction, while another family arriving at the grounds said their first stop would be the giant slide, a festival favorite for them.

Bisson emphasized that the event’s long-running success is made possible through partnerships with local organizations, volunteers and businesses.

“We really appreciate the partnership that goes into putting on this event,” he said. “We partner with Robertson Amusements every year for the carnival.”

Organizations such as Life After 50, which helps operate the popular strawberries and ice cream booth, and Bike Windsor-Essex, which offers free bicycle valet service, are among the many contributors who help make the festival possible. 

Vendors from across the region also return year after year to take part in the celebration.

“We appreciate that everyone works together to put on a great event,” said Bisson.

Unlike many festivals that focus on fundraising, the LaSalle Strawberry Festival is intended primarily as a community event. 

Organizers aim to keep it accessible for families, maintaining an admission fee of just $5 — unchanged for the last 14 years — while seniors and children under five were admitted to the festival free of charge.

“We try to keep the admission rate low,” said Bisson.

For many residents, the Strawberry Festival marks the unofficial beginning of summer, bringing the community together for a weekend of family-friendly fun. 

Organizers will take a brief break before turning their attention to next year’s event, with planning for the 2027 festival set to begin in January.

The first LaSalle Strawberry Festival was held May 28-29, 1988.

Community spirit shines at 38th annual LaSalle Strawberry Festival

By Donna Tuckwell