Tuesday, October 10, 2017

2017 Mount Olive Pickle Festival

Earlier this year I was asked to photograph the 2017 Pickle Festival in Mount Olive North Carolina.  I had a schedule to follow, as I walked nearly ten miles with my camera in 95 degree heat to capture each event.

The day started by photographing the participants of the 75 mile tour de pickle bicycle race. Men and women with really expensive bicycles showed up early to ride in an insane amount of heat! Runners also braved the heat wave and dressed up in their best pickle costumes while taking part in the Cuke Patch 5k run.

One of the events that really catches your eye at the pickle festival is the car show. Several blocks worth of classic cars compete in different categories to see who has the best looking ride around town!

There were many musical acts that I photographed, including Dakota Blue, Andrew Salgado as well as praise and worship performers. I was really impressed with the level of musical talent that these people possess.

I think competitive eater champion Joey Chestnut would have been proud of the pickle eating contest, where 10 contestants stuffed themselves with as many Mount Olive pickles as they could eat in 5 minutes. Right after the pickle eating contest, the mascots from local businesses had a race. Ollie the pickle raced the cow from Chick Fil A as well as other mascots for the championship!

There are a lot of family oriented things to do at the pickle festival. There are rides for adults and kids as well as some really good food! The Mount Olive Pickle Company is great because they hand out free pickles all day at their booth.

 I really enjoyed myself while photographing the event. If you are looking for a family friendly good time, then I highly recommend you attend this year! The 2018 NC Pickle Festival is April 28, 2018.




































































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