by Hanna Singh
Experience Ruston hosted a press conference Wednesday to share some exciting updates about the upcoming 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival.
One of the biggest announcements was that the festival recently received the prestigious 2025 Louey Award for Festival of the Year. This award, presented at the Louisiana Travel Association’s Annual Meeting, recognizes outstanding contributions to tourism and community development across the state. The award was accepted by The Louisiana Peach Festival Planning Committee on behalf of the event.
The Louisiana Peach Festival is a beloved Ruston tradition that dates back to 1951. Originally established by local peach farmers to promote their industry, the festival has since grown into one of the longest-running agricultural celebrations in Louisiana. Over the decades, it has attracted thousands of visitors to Lincoln Parish, generating millions of dollars in economic impact and sharing the rich culture of the region.
The festival’s recognition as the 2025 Louey Award winner shows the impact of the event’s community engagement, economic contributions, and commitment to celebrating local traditions. One key factor to growing the festival and attracting more visitors was the shift to free admission in 2024, which has allowed for even more attendance. Amanda Carrier, President & CEO of Experience Ruston, shared how their team has committed to providing an amazing experience for residents and visitors alike.
“This recognition is such an honor and is truly a testament to the power of community partnership,” Carrier said. “Since joining with the City of Ruston and Downtown Ruston to coordinate the festival in 2021, we’ve been able to make the event more accessible and engaging for residents and visitors alike, which has resulted in positive impacts across our community.”
The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will continue to provide a great experience this year, with an exciting lineup of entertainment, activities, vendors, and of course, peaches.
Amy Stegall, Main Street Director and Downtown Coordinator for the City of Ruston, highlighted some of the exciting things attendees can look forward to at the 2025 Peach Fest.
“Every year, the Louisiana Peach Festival celebrates everything that makes our community special, and this year will be no different,” Stegall said. “With incredible artists, live music all day, delicious food, and fun activities for kids, it’s a family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, the festival is free to the public, making it the perfect opportunity for families and friends to experience our vibrant downtown and be part of this cherished tradition.
“We look forward to revealing our music lineup, poster contest winner, and our curated arts market vendors as we get closer to the festival. And you can count on other peachy events happening too. We may just have a few more surprises as we get closer to the event that are sure to make the 75th annual festival one to remember.”
As the festival gears up for the 75th milestone year, organizers expressed their gratitude to b1BANK, the festival’s lead sponsor. Their support has allowed the event to be open to more people by keeping admission free, ensuring that more residents and visitors can enjoy the beloved celebration.
With new highlights, beloved traditions, and many peachy activities to enjoy, the 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will be one to remember. More details, including the music lineup and featured events, will be announced shortly. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate all things peachy in Ruston this summer.
