‘It means a lot’: LaBelle celebrates 100 years with the Swamp Cabbage Festival
LaBelle celebrates 100 years with the Swamp Cabbage Festival, a vibrant testament to its deep-rooted culture and history. With music ringing through the air, festival-goers swayed in rhythm, lost in the moment. The tempting aroma of barbecue wafted from the grills, mingling with the savory scent of swamp cabbage fritters, enticing both locals and visitors alike.
The Swamp Cabbage Festival, now an enduring tradition, has graced LaBelle for nearly sixty years. Yet, this year’s festivities resonate even more profoundly. As the community commemorates a century of LaBelle’s existence, it becomes a poignant gathering spot for collective memories and heartfelt stories.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, the iconic armadillo races captivated the audience. Spectators cheered, voices mingling in excitement, turning a simple race into an opportunity for connection and joy. “It means a lot, you know, because it’s our roots, and so many of us grew up here,” shared one festival-goer, reflecting the shared sentiment that pulses through the city. Another chimed in, “We truly love our little town of LaBelle.”
The origin of the festival’s name, swamp cabbage, hints at a cultural richness that runs deep. It refers to the heart of the Sabal palm, Florida’s majestic state tree. Dwayne and Lucas Pratt, local heroes, showcased their technique in harvesting this delicacy, an ancient practice rooted in sustainability. Their infamous fritters, a culinary delight, not only honor their heritage but also serve as a link to the indigenous communities like the Seminole, who revered swamp cabbage as an essential food source.
Lucas Pratt remarked, “Keeping this legacy alive is crucial to me. It’s something to cherish.” The pride in his voice echoed the shared commitment to preserve LaBelle’s culinary and cultural heritage. Here, food becomes more than sustenance; it transforms into a narrative that binds generations together.
However, food is just one chapter of this rich saga. Mayor Julie Wilkins emphasized that the festival transcends culinary offerings. This year’s theme, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” pays tribute to the technological advancements that shaped LaBelle’s landscape. Noteworthy figures like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison carved their mark in this region, leaving behind a legacy interwoven with innovation. “Here in LaBelle, vehicles and their stories are part of who we are,” Wilkins explained, illuminating the connection between the past and present.
As LaBelle celebrates this milestone, it not only reflects on its storied past but also steps boldly into the future. This festival, a joyous gathering, encapsulates a community’s resilience, a legacy alive in every dance step and every cheer. LaBelle is not merely commemorating history; it is creating new stories, ensuring its vibrant essence continues, rich with memories yet to be made.
