LaSalle Strawberry Festival Draws 22,300 Despite Weekend Weather

The LaSalle Strawberry Festival once again proved to be a highlight of the summer, drawing approximately 22,300 attendees over four days from June 11 to 14 at the Vollmer Complex. Now in its sixth year at this location, the festival continues to be a cherished tradition for residents and visitors alike. 

“For 38 years, the LaSalle Strawberry Festival has remained one of the highlights of the summer in our region. It’s wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate, support local partners, and enjoy everything the festival has to offer,” said Mayor Crystal Meloche.  

Attendance on Thursday and Friday remained consistent with 2025 levels, reflecting continued strong community interest early in the event. Overall attendance was lower than the previous year, largely due to extreme heat on Saturday and inclement weather on Sunday, which impacted peak attendance periods. 

Severe weather conditions on Sunday, including a tornado warning, required temporary closure of outdoor activities. Festival attendees were safely sheltered inside the Vollmer Centre, and the event successfully reopened later in the afternoon. 

“The Strawberry Festival reflects the strength of our community partnerships, sponsors, and the dedication of our staff and volunteers,” said Patti Funaro, Director of Culture and Recreation. “While the weather impacted parts of the weekend, it also demonstrated the commitment of our team to adapt and keep the event running safely. It’s rewarding to see so many people come together to enjoy this longstanding tradition.” 

Town administration is currently preparing the post-event report, which will be presented to Council in the fall. Proceeds from the festival help offset hosting costs and support community partners, including Life After Fifty, who provided volunteers for the strawberry and ice cream tent, and Bike Windsor Essex, who operated the bike valet service. Any surplus funds will be placed into reserves to support future festivals. 

Last year’s festival attendance numbers were 28,686.  After 38 years, the LaSalle Strawberry Festival remains one of the region’s most anticipated and well-attended events. For more information about the LaSalle Strawberry Festival, visit LaSalle Strawberry Festival.