Mount Olive Pickle Festival Draws Thousands To Famous Little North Carolina Town

North Carolina is famous for a bunch of things.  A lot of folks might know about the origins of the Krispy Kreme doughnuts for starters.  But, did you know about Mount Olive?  If the name sounds familiar it's because you see it every time you crack open a jar of pickles!  And, the Mount Olive Pickle Festival draws thousands to the famous little North Carolina town.  It returns this Friday and Saturday April 28-29 in downtown Mount Olive.

So, here's a little background for those not in the know.  Mt. Olive Pickles was founded in the town bearing its name in 1926.  And, it grew to what it is today, the best selling pickles in the Southeast.  When you have a pickle that famous bearing the name of your town of course you celebrate with a pickle festival.

Ok, I know you want to know what events the Mount Olive Pickle festival plans for the celebration.  Well, there's the "Cuke Patch 5K," a pickle eating contest, pickleball tournament, live music and more.  Plus, their website points out,  "pickles may be the theme, but community is what the festival is all about."  The event started in 1986, and it's something to look forward to every year.  So, I'm getting those Aunt Bee from Andy Griffith warm fuzzy vibes.  You remember the one where she entered her pickles in the fair.

And yes, there is a recipe contest at the Mount Olive Pickle Festival.  And, the prize is a year's supply of, wait for it, Mt. Olive Pickles!  There's categories for apps, main dishes and even desserts all including pickles.  Although the deadline to enter passed at the end of March, maybe if you're lucky there'll be samples.

So, now you have plans for the weekend.  Finally, see here for all the info you need about this year's festival.  As the website says, "Keep Calm and Pickle On."  And, make your way to join thousands of others for the Mount Olive Pickle festival.

In North Carolina we've got lots to be proud of. We are known for so many things from sports teams to tourism, BBQ, and more. Many companies call the state home with major businesses coming to the state often. But did you know that several of your favorite brands have roots in North Carolina? From soft drinks, to snack foods, to fast-food restaurants, and even pain relievers North Carolina businesses have made a lasting impact. But what are some of these companies? Read on to find out.

Cheerwine was first created in 1917 by Salisbury, North Carolina by L.D. Peeler. The cherry soft drink is still going strong and celebrated its 100 year anniversary a few years ago with a festival in downtown Salisbury.

Learn more about Cheerwine

Mt. Olive was founded in the town bearing the same name back in 1926, with only a 3,600 square foot building and $19,500 in capital, according to their website. Today, Mt. Olive has grown to manufacture the best selling brand of pickles in the Southeast. In fact they just announced they are building a whole new facility in North Carolina.

Get more info on Mt. Olive Pickles here

The fast food chain known for it's Cajun seasoning and Bo'berry biscuits Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits location in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Get more info about Bojangles

Get more info on Cookout here

If you have spent much time in North Carolina you are sure to recognize the Hot Doughnuts Now sign. Krispy Kreme was founded by Vernon Rudolph. The chain first opened in 1937 in what is now historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Get more info on Krispy Kreme here

In 1913 Phillip Lott a food broker from Charlotte got stuck with 500 pounds of peanuts. He sold them and was then inspired to create the now popular snack company.

Get more info on Lance Crackers here

Pepsi dates back to New Bern, NC in 1893. It was first introduced as "Brad's Drink" named after it's founder, with the name Pepsi-Cola and eventually just Pepsi coming later. 

Get more info about Pepsi here

No, Texas Pete is not from Texas. Its origins are actually in North Carolina. It was created by the Garner family in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Get more info on Texas Pete here

Goody's was produced for many years by the Goody's Manufacturing Company, a family-owned business founded in 1932 and based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Get more info on Goody's here

You may have drank the bottled water and if you have a water cooler at work there is a good chance it is Le Bleu. The company is based out of Greensboro.

Get more info on Le Bleu here