Weather won't stop N.C. Pickle Festival
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on April 28, 2006 1:51 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- The start of the 20th annual North Carolina Pickle Festival is just hours away, and the town of Mount Olive is ready for its biggest event of the year.
While rain forced the postponement of Thursday's Pickle Festival Golf Classic, all other events are on schedule, said Gina Knode, president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce.
"We postponed (the golf tournament) until next Thursday," Mrs. Knode said. "They did go ahead and have lunch and things like that, but the actual playing of the golf was postponed." Organizers said they still have room for two more teams. "If you couldn't play last week, you can play this week," Mrs. Knode said. To register for the golf tournament, call Kevin Kornegay at 658-1002.
The rest of the festival should not be bothered by poor weather. Forecasts call for clear skies for the weekend, with temperatures in the 70s.
Tonight, the festival gets under way with a performance by the Coastline Band at the Mount Olive Airport. Gates will open at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, with children 3 and younger admitted free. Dancing will go on until midnight. No coolers are allowed but there will be a beer garden on site.
The rides will also be open tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. The price for an evening of fun is $9 for all you can ride.
Saturday will be the festival's big day, with carnival rides, games, crafts, vendors, exhibits, antique cars and trucks, a petting zoo and a road race, along with the usual variety of food and three entertainment stages. The party cranks up at 8 a.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. Miss North Carolina will make an appearance and several bands, from rock 'n' roll to bluegrass to beach music, will perform throughout the day. The Mount Olive College Singers also will perform.
Mrs. Knode said preparations were under way this morning for the downtown festivities.
"Everything's set to go," Mrs. Knode added.
For more information about the festival, call the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce at 658-3113.