Clewiston Sugar Festival Coming March 19

America’s Sweetest Town to Host Annual Clewiston Sugar Festival

CLEWISTON, FL. – America’s sweetest town will host the annual Clewiston Sugar Festival on March 19, a free event featuring celebrity dessert chef Johnny Iuzzini, musical guests Gary Allan, Chase Bryant and Eric Paslay, and family-friendly activities.

Video: Footage of the 2011 Festival and Car Show

The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Civic Park, on U.S. Hwy 27 in Clewiston. Admission is free.

Now in its 30th year, the Clewiston Sugar Festival celebrates the region’s annual sugarcane harvest and sugar’s important economic impact on Glades area communities and Florida’s agricultural industry. This year’s presenting sponsor is U.S. Sugar, a Florida pioneer in the sustainable farming and processing of sugarcane, citrus and sweet corn.

“We are honored and excited to be a part of this great tradition,’’ said Judy Sanchez, senior director of corporate communications and public affairs for U.S. Sugar. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our farmers and our community and express our gratitude for our employees, growers and vendors for another sugarcane harvest season.”

The event will include a Sweet Taste of Clewiston contest for best desserts with celebrity pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini, judge of the reality TV show Top Chef: Just Desserts and author of Sugar Rush. Performing on the main stage will be country music stars Gary Allan, Chase Bryant and Eric Paslay, along with the South Florida classic rock group Sierra Band and Clewiston’s own YourDesign.

The festival will feature appearances by Miss Sugar 2016 Vivian Haney, Junior Miss Sugar Jennah Hernandez and Little Miss Sugar Jade Potter. Other activities include a vintage tractor display, a kids’ park with games and inflatable jump houses, a Big Lake Cruisers Rod Run, wildlife show, gator wrestling, Lake O tours, a variety of delicious food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. Also on the schedule are a Sugar Fest 5K run by Cross Training Ministries and tennis, basketball and horseshoe/cornhole tournaments.

“This festival has something for everyone and puts a spotlight on what makes our community special and unique, and that’s sugarcane,’’ said Hillary Hyslope, executive director of the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, which is helping to organize the festival. “We encourage everyone to come and see why Clewiston is the sweetest town in America.’’