Strawberry cake, strawberry filling, chocolate strawberries, baskets of strawberries and a pyramid of strawberry cupcakes were made and presented as part of the annual Strawberry Jubilee to honor of the state fruit.

Strawberry Jubilee took place Wednesday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Pennington Student Activity center, a change from its usual location in the Student Union Park.

Todd McElroy, Campus Activities Board coordinator explained the success of the event despite a change in tradition.  

“It’s a Southeastern tradition that’s been here even longer than I have,” he said. “This year, we moved locations because of the construction [near the Student Union Park]. It’s working fine so far; there’s a lot of space out here.”

Desserts included chocolate and vanilla strawberry-topped cupcakes provided by Albertson’s, a chocolate fountain equipped with milk chocolate and white chocolate and fried Oreos sold by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

CAB provided free red beans and rice for students who participated and strawberries were donated by Berry Town Produce.

The event began with the ceremonial cake-cutting by President John L. Crain, Dr. Marvin L. Yates, Vice President of the Division for Student Affairs and Miss Southeastern 2014 Crystal Gonzalez, continuing the tradition in honor of Strawberry Jubilee.

The Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe in Hammond made the cake, which was, white with strawberry filling, covered in white chocolate shavings and garnished with heaps of strawberries.

There were also two strawberry eating contests, one for females and one for males.

The winner of the males’ contest was Gregory Smith, freshman visual arts major.

“It felt good [to win]. I felt like the king of all kings, like the man of all men. I heard that the two-time reigning champ was falling behind, so I took advantage of that,” said Smith “The food is good, the red beans are delicious. The atmosphere, the music, the people, their different personalities, different characters is amazing. I like it.”

Activities of the event included a rock climbing wall, volleyball nets and a mechanical bull. Whitney Bell, a sophomore majoring in English education enjoyed the free strawberries.

“Free food, I like free stuff. The strawberries are wonderful; they’re very fresh, ripe,” said Bell.

Strawberry Jubilee was the final traditional CAB event for the semester. For more information on other CAB activities call 985-549-3805.