Pickle lovers from all over the country are flocking to Mount Olive, North Carolina this month to celebrate their love of everything pickles. The North Carolina pickle festival is on its 35th year of festivities, and festival-goers are ready to compete and eat buckets of pickles.
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People in attendance can expect a fun-filled day packed with a pickle-packing competition, a pickle eating contest and even a chance to win $350 by singing the Mt. Olives' mascot, Ollie Q. Cumber's anthem. And let's not forget all of the pickle delicacies served up by local businesses and Mt. Olives pickles.
Looking to join in on the fun? Take a look at some of the fun events that the festival includes.
The North Carolina Pickle Festival
The Pickle Eating Contest
You think you have what it takes to eat as many pickles as you can in five minutes? This year up to twelve contestants will be competing to eat as many kosher dills as possible. The winner gets a trophy, $30 cash prize money and total bragging rights.
Tour De Pickle
What's better than a bike ride on a beautiful Saturday morning? A pickle bicycle ride! Sign up for the 25, 50, or 75 miler through scenic Wayne, Duplin and Sampson counties in beautiful Eastern North Carolina.
Each rider receives a ride tee-shirt and riders can sign-up until the day-of.
Cuke Patch 5K / Friday Night Festivities
On Friday night, downtown Mt.Olive is the place to be. Not only will a glow fun run being held, but pay one price carnival rides will be available to anyone who wants to enjoy. There is also a free concert lined up on Friday night as well featuring The Tazz Band.
Chili Cook-Off
You better come hungry! On Friday night homestyle competitors will be competing for the best chili around. Then on Saturday teams will compete in Traditional Red Chili, People's Choice Traditional Red Chili, and Salsa. Think you have a winning chili recipe? Sign up here to compete.
Mascot Race
This race is a fan favorite. Local mascots from around the area compete in a dance-off then finish with a foot race to the finish line. The winner receives their name on the convented N.C. Pickle Festival Mascot Trophy.
Pickle Trail
Follow the pickle trail and you'll never get lost at the festival. Check out the Mt. Olive Pickle Plaza to find out how many pickles you can pack in a jar or take a walk over to West Main Street to take a ride on the pickle train. Top the day off with a pickle snow cone and pickle-flavored popcorn.
Find more information about the festival here.
This article was originally published on Apr 10, 2018.
