The Rosendale International Pickle Festival offers a triathlon for people whose preferred athletic equipment is a jar. Pickle eating, pickle juice drinking, and pickle tossing turn an appreciation of brine into competitive sport at the festival’s 29th edition, October 18 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz.
More than 100 vendors sell pickles, groceries, hot food, baked goods, crafts, clothing, and jewelry. The pickling competition rewards skill across seven categories, including dill, sweet, spicy, pickled fruit, and root vegetables. Entries undergo blind judging for appearance, flavor, quality, and texture; aspiring champions must submit their sealed jars by 11am.
Founded in 1997, the festival began with a celebration of Japanese pickling traditions. Organizers hoped for 200 visitors and attracted more than 1,000. It eventually outgrew the Rosendale Recreation Center, moving to the fairgrounds in 2023. A local volunteer committee continues to organize the gathering, with proceeds supporting community organizations, scholarships, and services.
The festival runs rain or shine from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5, with children under 12 admitted free. Bring cash for the ticket booth; many vendors accept credit cards. Leave pets at home, and consider arriving hungry. This is one sporting event where lunch counts as preparation.
