• It began as a one-off party in 1998 to welcome visitors from Japan by Bill and Cathy Brooks knowing that their visitors liked NY pickles.
• That first year ended up having several hundred people attending, many more than the Brooks expected.
• It’s continued to grow — 6,000 are expected this year.
• The Brooks say the success is because the event has continued to have a welcoming party atmosphere.
• Judges choose the best homemade pickles in various categories; ribbons are awarded.
• Funds raised are contributed to charities: the town’s swimming pool, the Ronsendale trestle restoration project, handicap access to the community theater, the food pantry, and youth center.
• Over 100 vendors have booths at the festival.
• “It ain’t just pickles,” says Bill Brooks. There’s an international theme: Irish corned beef, Mexican tortillas, Italian meatballs, American hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy.
• It’s a great place to stock up on pickles. Some people do their holiday shopping there.
