I have been the official photographer for the NC Pickle Festival in Mount Olive, North Carolina for many years now. I dare to say that this past festival was the best that I have witnessed.

The festival started on out on Friday night, with a 5k run and some live music. Many of the vendors were setting up and preparing for the crowds on Saturday.

This year, the layout was much improved and seemed to handle all the vendors in a more efficient manner. The weather was mild and that brought enormous crowds out to the festival. 

One of my favorite parts of the festival was all of the food vendor choices that were available. I was easily lured in by the smell of kettle corn and was compelled to buy a three foot bag. I've never tried the pickle soda, so I gave it a go and it was really pretty good. It reminded me of Mountain Dew soda with a pickle punch. 

The pickle eating contest is always the largest attended event at the festival. I can't ever remember seeing a bigger crowd at the event than this year. If my memory serves me right, I believe the winner ate 13 pickles.

There were several stages for musical acts to perform on. A main stage, a praise music stage and a secondary stage. The musical acts were all very talented and enjoyed the enthusiasm of the large crowds.

There is always a car show event at the NC Pickle Festival. This year the shiny cars did not disappoint, with a variety of muscle and sporty looking cars.

The dance studios drew big crowds on their stage! Cute kids in their outfits, demonstrate their routines to the applause of many.

There are athletic events such as pickle ball, a pickle 5k run, a 75 mile bicycle race that take place during the two day event.

Knockerball was one of the most unique activities at the festival. Think of a giant protective ball that surrounds you, while you run into other human beings. It was very entertaining to watch and I'm glad that no one was injured. 

Ollie, who is the Mount Olive Pickle mascot, was in attendance and everyone had to have their picture taken with the coolest pickle around.

This years festival was a great success and I look forward to capturing all the events next year.