Signage for The Fuzzy Pineapple’s Dessert Festival in Tallahasse, Florida. (Lariel Green/FAMUAN)
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Tallahassee had plenty to celebrate Saturday, Feb. 7, as The Fuzzy Pineapple’s Dessert Festival returned for its fifth year, filling Adams Street with pastries, cookies and locally made treats.
The Fuzzy Pineapple owner Nefetari Dennard, a Florida A&M University alumna, said the Dessert Festival grew out of earlier art and food events she hosted. With her sister working as a pastry chef, the idea for a dessert festival came after seeing how strongly food-based events brought people together and supported local vendors.
“People show up for food,” Dennard said.
Inclusion is central to the festival’s mission. Dennard encouraged vendors to offer vegan and gluten free options, noting that these choices are limited in Tallahassee.
Vendors pose at the dessert festival. (Lariel Green/FAMUAN)
“We have a huge vegan community here, and they’re underserved,” she said. “I was looking for gluten-free and vegan options; Whole Foods is all you have.”
Shan Scott, owner of Craves Squared, a Tallahassee home bakery, said the Dessert Festival is important to the growth of her business. Even when people do not purchase right away, the exposure helps build long term support through word of mouth and social media.
“If you’re a small business starting out, it’s kind of hard to get your name out,” Scott said. “When you go to different markets, it shows your face to the people and gets your name out there.”
Scott continues to return to events hosted by Dennard because of the environment and support.
“She was my first market,” Scott said. “This is actually one of the best ones we’ve had by far”
Vendors and attendees gather on Adams Street for the dessert festival. (Lariel Green/FAMUAN)
Dennard was encouraged by the turnout and engagement throughout the day.
“I was afraid it was going to be cold and rainy, but it ended up being a beautiful day,” she said. “People actually have been engaging.”
Attendees also emphasized the sense of community. Florida State University student Mia Embree attended the festival as part of a sorority sisterhood activity.
“We wanted to support small businesses and do something fun together,” Embree said. “It’s good that people are able to include dietary restrictions”
Beyond food, Dennard said the festival focuses on supporting local vendors and keeping community support at the center of the event year after year.
“I hope they find small local vendors to shop,” she said. “I hope we recycle our money within our community.”