Latest Weather Blog
2 Your Town Port Allen: West Baton Rouge Museum's free SugarFest returns during first weekend of October
Related Story
PORT ALLEN — Sugarcane farming has shaped Port Allen and much of Louisiana, with the West Baton Rouge Museum using its annual SugarFest to highlight the industry's deep roots and ongoing impact.
The museum tells the story of sugarcane in the South through decommissioned machines and exhibits.
"We're the furthest north that you can grow sugarcane. We're in a sub-tropical climate, with a shorter growing season, but it's all packed in," Angelique Bergeron with the museum said
Louisiana is a top sugarcane producer in the United States, with more than 500,000 acres cultivated across 24 parishes, the LSU Ag Center says.
"It's a tremendous economic impact to the state, almost 4.5 billion dollars annually," Drew Maciasz with Harry L. Laws and Company said.
The Harry L. Laws Company operates on the site of the old Cinclare Sugar Mill and Plantation in Port Allen. The mill ran for more than a hundred years before closing in 2005. Since then, the company has leased land to area farmers to keep the legacy going.
"Just a lot of history right here," Maciasz added. "Sugar in particular is ingrained in the fabric of West Baton Rouge and the state of Louisiana."
Fifth-generation sugarcane farmer Troy Canella described how the industry has changed over time.
"My grandparents, four families lived on 100 acres, and that fed four families," Canella said.
He explained that advances in technology have made it possible to produce more sugarcane in less time.
"We have everything; all we have to do is use the tools. In my dad's generation, you just didn't have the stability," Canella said.
SugarFest, now in its 31st year, gives visitors a chance to see cane cutting and grinding demonstrations, cane syrup boiling, and a tractor display. The event also features live music, craft demonstrations, and old-fashioned activities for children. Food, drinks, and artisan goods will be on sale, and there will be fresh chewing cane samples and a sweets contest.
SugarFest is free and open to the public.
News
