Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Food Recommendations

As stated in the previous post, I have spent a lot of time at the Strawberry Festival and as a result, have tasted most of the food on the grounds.  First let me say that you should buy your food on the festival grounds or from local businesses.  Do not purchase food from the large trailers and booths that come in just for the weekend for two reasons.  One the price will be substantially higher at those outside vendor booths and second, the booths on the festival grounds (and leading up to it on 6th street) are operated by local non-profit groups.  These organizations - not only give you great food at a great price - but they put the money back into the community and other great causes.  With that being said, all of my recommendations are found on the festival grounds. 

My Top 5 Must Haves

1.  Seafood Stuffed Potato.  This treat is a great value with lots of seafood and a large baked potato.  I believe that they cost about $8.  This booth is operated by A Touch of Class dance studio. 
2.  Red Beans and Rice Combo.  Another great deal.  For $5 you get a large serving of red beans and rice with your choice of a side - corn nuggets, fried okra, or fried pickets.  This is sold by the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at SLU. 

My red beans from last year. 

3.  Funnel Cakes.  This is from Ponchatoula Junior High and they have been selling these for as long as I can remember.  They are freshly made and covered with a generous amount of powered sugar.  They are topped with a fresh Louisiana Strawberry.  This is my Saturday morning treat each year. 

4.  Fried Shrimp Poboy.  For about $8 you get a freshly made shrimp poboy dressed.  Also, at the same booth is the Fried Onion Mum.  These are also freshly fried and served with a dipping sauce.  This booth is operated by the Theta Xi fraternity at SLU. 

5.  Chocolate covered strawberries.   This is served by a First Pentecostal Church at the booth right next to our pizza booth.  They are hard to resist as they remind passers-by that they have them.  I must admit that sometimes I trade pizza for them or wait for a sale, but these strawberries are delicious.  Also at the same booth, I usually grab a grilled corn sometime during the weekend - another tasty treat. 

Other great options:

Strawberry Shortcake

Jambalaya

Crawfish Fettuccine

Fried Oyster Poboy
Smoked Turkey leg

Great for children:

Pizza

Hamburgers

Corn dogs

**Please don't quote me on the prices - my memory isn't the best.  I will also update this as soon as I see the list of food booths for this year.  I may have forgotten a few great options!