Thousands enjoy beautiful day at Sugar Festival

Special to Lake Okeechobee News

Posted 3/17/25

CLEWISTON -- The 2025 Sugar Festival drew thousands of people to Clewiston's Civic Park March 14 and 15.

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Thousands enjoy beautiful day at Sugar Festival

Posted Monday, March 17, 2025 11:34 am

Special to Lake Okeechobee News

Katrina Elsken

CLEWISTON -- On March 15, the city of Clewiston welcomed 25,000 people to the 2025 Clewiston Sugar Festival, making it the most well-attended festival in Clewiston history. The estimate was provided to the festival’s committee by the Clewiston Police Department.

“Our community is grateful for all of the support for a festival that celebrates American agriculture and the men and women who produce our food,” said Julia duPlooy, President of the Clewiston Sugar Festival Committee. “With such incredible talent this year like Don Felder, Lauren Watkins, Hudson Westbrook, Dylan Marlowe and Jake Owen, our festival continues to remain the largest free, family-friendly country music event in all of Florida.”

Saturday’s festival also featured food and arts vendors from across Florida, a kids park with carnival rides and a petting zoo, a classic car show, an alligator wresting demonstration sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, a “sweet taste” baking competition, a 5k and 10k race and more.

According to the Clewiston Police Department, the festival’s Friday night events featuring Don Felder drew between 10,000 to 12,000 people, which is believed to be the most well-attended Friday Sugar Festival event in history.

In addition to the food and entertainment, the Clewiston Sugar Festival honored local volunteer Libby Williams for her commitment to beautifying America’s Sweetest Town and her countless volunteer hours. Born and raised in Clewiston, Williams has spent her life raising children and serving the community as a volunteer. After retiring from Clewiston High School in 2018, where she served as a data systems specialist, Williams has made civic improvement a focus of her time. Every holiday season, Williams dedicates time to decorate the Clewiston Civic Park for visitors to enjoy. Over the past few years, the park’s holiday lights, decorations and music have become a draw for hundreds of locals and visitors to America’s Sweetest Town during the holiday months.