SugarFest celebrates WBR

• Advocate Marketing Staff
• Published: Jun 14, 2009

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Sugarcane fields and the sugar industry are a vital part of West Baton Rouge Parish’s history, and what better way to celebrate it than with a festival?

 

SugarFest will celebrate WBR’s sweet history Oct. 4 at the West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson in Port Allen. Attendees will be able to check out craft demonstrations, a mule-driven cane grinder and other hands-on activities while sampling some fresh sugarcane, plantation-style cooking and sweet treats.

 

Live music will be performed during the event, and a sweets contest will be held.

 

SugarFest’s roots go back to 1995, museum Education Curator Jeannie Luckett said. It began when Louisiana celebrated 200 years of sugar production in the state.

 

The sugar industry is a big part of what the museum offers. On display is a 22-foot working model of a sugar mill from 1904 that shows the process of turning sugarcane into raw sugar. It was originally built for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. There is also an educational film and “talking wall” exhibit as part of the comprehensive look at the industry.

 

The sugarcane industry was an important part of WBR’s growth in the 1800s. It was during this period that the Cinclare sugar mill was born near Brusly.

 

Phone: (225) 336-2422