Mt. Olive Pickle will drop pickle to welcome 2009
By Staff Reports
Published in News on December 14, 2008 2:00 AM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Want to ring in the New Year, but don't relish the idea of hanging out until midnight?
If so, Mt. Olive Pickle Co. might have a solution.
The company will hold its 10th annual New Year's Eve Pickle Drop Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Corner of Cucumber & Vine on the plant property.
New York has the Big Apple. Raleigh has the giant acorn. Mount Olive has lighted, three-foot pickle that drops down the company's flagpole and into a preserved redwood pickle tank at precisely 7.
Why 7 p.m.? That time just happens to be midnight Greenwich Mean Time.
"That way, we are official, we shout Happy New Year! -- and we don't have to stay up until midnight," company spokes-man Lynn Williams said. "We advise those attending to get here early, because the whole thing's over at 7:05."
About 2,000 people gathered at the Corner of Cucumber & Vine for the 2008 event, which is a "pretty good turnout" for a small town of under 5,000, Mrs. Williams said.
During the event, people will be able to watch the countdown of 2008's final hour, from 6-7 p.m., on Mt. Olive's marquee.
Mr. Crisp, the company's 8-foot tall pickle mascot, will be on hand, and the Harmony Boys of Mount Olive will provide entertainment.
There will be free refreshments (including pickles).
People who bring canned food items to benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (www.foodbankcenc.org) will receive a chance to win a door prize.