Friday, May 8, 2009

Strawberry Jam'n Toast to the Arts Festival

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

Strawberries, they are sweet and juicy and also used as a term of endearment. They are a perfect companion for cheese and chocolate. Yum. Studies show that strawberries are good sources of Vitamin C, folate, amino acids, fibers, potassium, and anti-oxidants. Bottom line is fragaria also known as strawberries are amongst the favorite of young and adult people ultimately because of its delicious taste and luscious appearance. Strawberries are highly nutritious that are great for salads, side dishes, desserts. Most especially it's also a cereal companion. They are very good hale and hearty snack for any moment of the day.

In Ponchatoula, Louisiana there is a special festival where strawberries are given a different twist and flavor. "Strawberry Jam'n Toast to the Arts Festival" is an annual event organized and sponsored by the Northshore Regional Endowment for the Arts. The organization was founded on June 2001 by Ted J. Hudspeth Sr. MD.

Ted is a practiced physician at Oshner Clinic foundation in Hammond Louisiana. He used to be a music teacher in the place where he grew up. Since his early years, it has been his advocacy to encourage people, old and young to enhance their love of music and nurture their talents.

Strawberry Jam'n Toast to the Arts Festival was established to enhance, encourage and inspire people to develop their talents in music. It is also created to increase public awareness on the benefits and cultural significance of strawberry. The Festival proper caters a lot to activities such as mini concerts, lessons and more. Hosted by 40 bands and performers in 6 different stages, the festival is widely an opportunity for local artists to show what they really got, it is the time for them to be seen and heard.

Aside from the fun and festive, concerts are held to hoist funds for the organization. Endowment is the name of the organization and like any other organization; it has a principle which is to endorse music and arts education. Another is to increase public awareness of music amongst the region. The organization also sponsors children in the area to music programs for them to pursue their music and arts career. It's a festival with a strawberry shaped heart indeed.

About the Author:

No comments: