Did You Know West Michigan Has a Pickle Festival?

Tell all your pickle-loving friends! There's an event coming up just for you in West Michigan!

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I’ve lived in West Michigan my whole life, and somehow I had no idea we had a pickle festival. Naturally, I had to tell my husband, Charlie. He’s a total pickle fanatic, and he’s definitely not alone.

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The pickle passion of the past few years continues to be going strong. People are putting pickles in everything from pizza, to popcorn, to ice cream - even beer! There’s just something about that salty, tangy crunch we can't seem to resist.

Well, get ready to celebrate the almighty pickle at the Berrien Springs Pickle Festival!

When and Where Is Michigan's Pickle Festival?

Now in its fifth year, the Berrien Springs Pickle Festival returns July 4. Organizers say it’s the biggest single-day event in all of Berrien County!

It all happens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the History Center at Courthouse Square and the Berrien Springs Community Library.

What to Expect at the Festival

What’s on the (pickle-packed) agenda? More than 70 vendors, Big Wheel races, the Pickled Piper Tasting Room, the Plamm Pickle and Packing Company relish-eating contest, Pickle Fling contest, and a dunk tank.

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Get in the Spirit Early with the Scavenger Hunt

But you don’t have to wait until the 4th to start picklin’ around! From June 23–29, hunt down tiny hidden Dillards — that’s the adorable Pickle Festival mascot — at local Berrien Springs businesses. According to the Herald Palladium, you'll need to grab your Pickle Fest Scavenger Hunt sheet at the Village Hall, the History Center, or the Community Library, and turn it in by 4 p.m. on June 30 to get entered for a prize that'll be announced at the festival.

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Enter Your Pickle Recipe to Win

Got a pickle recipe that’s kind of a big dill in your family? Enter it in the pickle recipe contest! There are four tasty categories:

• Traditional Dill
• Sweet Pickle
• Unique Pickle
• Other Pickled Fruits/Veggies

Drop off your entry at Village Hall by June 26. Winners will be crowned during the festival on July 4.

Sign Up for the Pickleball Tournament

And what better sport for a pickle party than pickleball?! Grab a partner and get in the game during the Pickleball Tournament on June 29 at 3 p.m. at the Berrien Springs High School courts. Entry is $30 per team.

So tell your pickle pals, grab your greenest gear, and come celebrate all things crunchy, salty, and sour in the most dill-lightful way possible.