Poteet Strawberry Festival leaders invite Atascosa County to 79th annual April celebration

The Atascosa County Commissioners Court heard a presentation from the Poteet Strawberry Festival Association and the Poteet Strawberry Growers Association on March 23, inviting residents to the 79th annual Poteet Strawberry Festival in April 2026.

Chris Lopez, identified by the festival's presenters as the association president, told the court the festival is a long-running community tradition and thanked commissioners for past support. "It's an honor for us to put on our festival," Lopez said, noting the association's officers have worked to sustain the event and asking for continued partnership. Joel Garcia, president of the Poteet Strawberry Growers Association, said roughly 35–36 growers participate and described the festival's economic and civic benefits, saying it brings "tens, if not hundreds of thousands of people" to the area and supports many local organizations.

Festival organizers described planned attractions including live entertainment, nonprofit food booths, arts and crafts vendors and a rodeo at the Lions Club Arena. They also thanked county staff and commissioners for support at community events and food bank activities. County officials posed for photographs with the bridal court and festival representatives after the brief presentation.

The presentation concluded with the court's invitation to the public to attend; no vote or funding request was made. The festival representatives emphasized the event's role in supporting growers and local nonprofits and asked the county to continue partnering on logistics and promotion.