JORDAN DAVIS
AUSTIN SNELL
THE FRONTMEN
ELLA LANGLEY
DALTON DOVER
FREE
EVENT
OUR FESTIVAL
We are a community driven festival where folks can reunite with family, friends and neighbors at the end of another busy season.
Over the years our festival has grown into a multi-day event, beginning with sports tournaments and a Miss Sugar Pageant leading up to the main festival day, followed by aFriday Night Kickoff concert with food trucks on festival weekend.
On Saturday, the main festival day, attendees can enjoy free live music concerts, an antique tractor display, a car show, a free kids play park, visit a local baking contest and a professional baking display, plus enjoy the offerings of various food and crafts vendors present.
THE SWEET LIFE
2024 Honoree Phillip Roland
In 2023, Clewiston lost a dedicated public servant, who tirelessly gave himself to not only the city, but also the cause of Lake Okeechobee and South Florida agriculture. Phillip Roland served his country, his city, and his family with tremendous pride and distinction, and as a result, he is richly deserving of the posthumous honor as the 2024 Clewiston Sugar Festival Honoree.
Mr. Roland was born in Clewiston in 1941 and married the late Percy and the late Susie Roland. He served in the United States Air Force and returned to Clewiston following his 9me of service. Upon returning home, Mr. Roland worked as a manager at Evercane Sugar Refinery in Clewiston. In 1976, he opened his first convenience store in Harlem, followed by another in Clewiston, and several in the surrounding areas. Mr. Roland enjoyed serving his community, and some of his fondest memories were coaching youth athletics in Clewiston. He also served as a Hendry County Commissioner for 20 years. Later in his life he served on the Clewiston City Commission, and as Mayor of the City of Clewiston. Mr. Roland was a champion for Lake Okeechobee, and spent countless hours around the State of Florida, speaking and educating about water management issues, and the health of Lake Okeechobee. Phillip also loved the game of golf, and was always involved with the Clewiston Golf Course, where as a child, he learned to play the sport. Above all else, Mr. Roland was a proud Florida Gator. Whether football or women’s softball, if the Gators were playing, Mr. Roland was almost always watching.
Today, Mr. Roland is survived by his children Keith Robison, Julian Roland and James Vickers, along with four grandchildren and one great grandchild. He also leaves memories with many extended family members and family friends.
Mr. Roland was a strong supporter of both local farmers and fishermen in this community, and spent many years as an advocate, ambassador, and champion for the Clewiston community. For those reasons and many more Mr. Roland was chosen as the honoree for this year’s Clewiston Sugar Festival.
