Recap: AWS Careers in Welding Demonstration Exhibit at the 2024 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

Date of Event: 04/11/2024

Location: 2024 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, Main Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana (4/11 through 4/14/2024)

Number of Attendees: Over 750,000 attendees with approximately 2,500 visiting and experiencing the exhibit.

Presenter/Notable Guest(s): AWS Staff (Andre Mosley) and District 9 Director, Anthony Blakeney

Event Summary: The AWS Careers in Welding Demonstration Exhibit (Trailer) was displayed at the 2024 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. This year’s festival broke all previous attendance records with over 750,000 people coming out to enjoy the food, culture, music, and of course the world’s most delicious strawberries. The four day event happens in the Spring every year. Ponchatoula Louisiana has always been proclaimed as the “Strawberry Capitol of the World” and this year’s event affirmed the proclamation. Students from the AWS Southeastern Louisiana University Student Chapter assisted in supporting the exhibit, as well as Students from Ponchatoula High School and several surrounding high schools. Visitors to the exhibit had the opportunity to experience virtual welding and learn about rewarding careers that are achievable through welding. 

AWS042_240411_1 - AWS's Andre Mosley does Q&A with students from Ponchatoula High School (PHS)..
AWS042_240411_2 - The weather was beutiful for the entire four days of the festival. SELU and High School students enjoying the AWS Careers in Welding Demonstration Exhibit at the 2024 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.
AWS042_240411_3a - A vitual welding competition was held each day over the four days of the 2024 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Day One's Winner (Cadon Stovall, Ponchatoula High School (PHS) Student) is being awarded. L to R - Jennifer Drake (PHS Testing Coordinator/Faculty), Andre Mosley (AWS Staff), Cadon Stovall, Anthony Blakeney (AWS District 9 Director), Christie Atkins (PHS Asst. Principle)