CLEWISTON -- The Clewiston Sugar Festival returns Friday, March 17, and runs through Saturday, March 18, in and around Civic Park at 106 W. Osceola Ave., in Clewiston.

This year the musical review features six bands. Two will perform at the Friday Night Kickoff concert, according to Festival Director Julia du Plooy: Saved by the 90s and Blackwater Sound, a local rock cover band.

The Saturday lineup has four national bands including headliner Lee Brice, openers Ian Munsick and Ashland Craft and special guest Grand Frunk Railroad.

Thanks to generous sponsors, the event is free and open to the public. This year’s sponsors include US Sugar, FPL, HE Hill Foundation, United Sugars, Clyde Johnson Contracting & Roofing, Inc., Helena, City of Clewiston, the Hendry County Tourist Development Council, Doodie Calls, Kelly Tractor, Seacoast Bank, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Hilliard Brothers of Florida LLLP, FirstBank, Howell Oil, K & M Drugs, Nisbet Enterprises and Everglades Equipment Group.

So far, about 45 food vendors, 30 information vendors and 60 retail vendors will participate in the event.

The festival does not raffle any prizes but in the US Sugar tent always have awesome giveaways and raffles going on, du Plooy said.

“Out of all of the festivals held throughout Florida it is the sweetest family event you will find,” she said. “And certainly the most affordable (free parking, free entertainment, free kids park), because all you have to pay for is food, drinks, and any mementos you want to take home to commemorate your day in Americas Sweetest Town.”

Friday March 17th

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rotary Luncheon at Clewiston Library Parking Lot

5:30 p.m. Kids Park Opens at Kids Park

6 p.m. Blackwater Sound (opener) at the Main Stage

7 p.m. Saved by the 90s at the Main Stage

9 p.m. Kids Park Closes at Kids Park

9 p.m. Fireworks at the Main Stage

Saturday March 18th (*all set times subject to change)

8 a.m. 5k Race at the Main Stage

9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Celebration Singers, Sugar Dolls, Country Rhythm Cloggers, Incubate Debate at the Community Stage

10 a.m. Kids Park Open at Kids Park

11a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tractor Crank Up Session at Old Town

11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. Gator Show at Library Park

5 p.m. Kids Park Closes at Kids Park

MAIN STAGE

12 noon Opening Ceremony at the Main Stage

Ashland Craft at the Main Stage

Grand Funk Railroad the Main Stage

Ian Munsick at the Main Stage

Lee Brice at Main Stage

Visit https://www.clewistonsugarfestival.com/ for the most up-to-date set times

PARKING

A free public parking lot is available at 339 E Esperanza Ave., Clewiston

ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL EVENTS

Sunday, March, 12th

Sweet Taste Baking Competition at the Clewiston Youth Center

• 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Entrants drop off
• 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Judging
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Food Trucks, Bounce Houses, Tent City Tickets and Festival Shirts for Sale

Tuesday March 14th

Honoree Luncheon (Celebrating Robert & Barbara Buker)

Thursday March 16th

Celebrity Softball Tournament

6 p.m. at Clewiston High School Baseball Fields