By Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
With 300 flats filled with nearly 60,000 local strawberries, the 37th annual LaSalle Strawberry Festival delivered another wildly successful celebration of summer, sweetness and community spirit from June 5 to 8, 2025.
Thousands gathered over the four-day event at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, enjoying live entertainment, midway rides, fireworks, family activities, and of course, the festival’s signature strawberries and ice cream—served by volunteers under the big red and white strawberry tent.
The strawberries, sourced from Raymont’s Berries in nearby Cottam, were cleaned and prepared by a team of community volunteers the evening before the festival kicked off. Life After Fifty, the non-profit group operating the strawberry tent, kept up with the brisk demand as festivalgoers lined up for the fresh fruit-and-ice cream combo all weekend.
“Each berry is hand-prepared with care by our amazing volunteers,” said event coordinator Susan Meyers. “The response this year was incredible, and our volunteers really delivered.”
The festival opened Thursday night with Toonie Ride Night, drawing large crowds for discounted midway thrills from Robertson Amusements. Friday’s fireworks display, sponsored by Valente Development and Remo Valente Real Estate, lit up the sky near the Vollmer pond at 10 p.m., with a free shuttle transporting spectators from the LaSalle Landing Event Centre.
Saturday morning saw Front Road lined with families cheering on the Strawberry Festival Parade. Dozens of floats, marching bands and community groups made their way from Old Front Road to Sacred Heart Drive. Road closures and transit detours were in effect, but the crowd was undeterred.
“It’s something we look forward to every year,” said Rebecca Lamoureux, a LaSalle resident who brought her two children and parents to the festival. “The strawberries were amazing, and my kids loved the parade and the rides.”
Entertainment throughout the weekend featured headliners like The Adam Butcher Band, Slim Pickerel, and local favourite Jody Raffoul, supported by a range of circus-style acrobatics by Throw2Catch, mascot dance-offs, and family games.
On Sunday, kids cast their lines during the Youth Fishing Derby at LaSalle Landing, hosted by Just Fishin’ Friends and the LaSalle Police Association. The festival also featured a classic car show, craft vendors, and a strawberry eating contest, among other attractions.
Admission was $5 per person, with free entry for kids five and under and seniors 65+, while weekend passes were available for $12 online. In a bid to support eco-friendly transit, LaSalle Transit offered free rides throughout the festival, with extended service hours and additional routes for the fireworks crowd. A free bike valet, operated by Bike Windsor Essex, gave cyclists a convenient parking option.
“This is what summer is all about,” said Alex Montanaro, who attended Friday’s fireworks with a group of friends. “Good food, great music and being out here with the whole community. We’ve been coming for years.”
Despite tight parking around the Vollmer Complex, town officials reported smooth operations over the weekend thanks to coordinated shuttles, parking attendants, and clear communication about road closures.
Volunteers played a crucial role in the success of the event, from setup and cleanup to activity support. High school students earned community service hours by pitching in, while many families and local groups embraced the opportunity to give back.
“The Strawberry Festival is about more than just strawberries,” said Meyers. “It’s about LaSalle coming together to celebrate the best of our community.”
As the sun set on Sunday evening, so too did another chapter in the festival’s rich 37-year history—leaving sticky fingers, full hearts, and sweet memories until next June.
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