'Dill-lightful' pickle drop returns to Mt. Olive this year

The Mt. Olive Pickle Company's Pickle Drop is returning on Dec. 31 on the University of Mount Olive's campus at 634 Henderson St. in front of the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena.

Families with young children who want to attend the event don't have to worry about a late night -- the pickle will drop at 7 p.m. sharp instead of right before midnight.

"It's early, and that's always been a big draw for families and older people who don't want to be out later, and it's just a really great crowd and atmosphere," said Mt. Olive Pickle Company spokeswoman Lynn Williams.

After the pickle drops 45 feet into the pickle jar and signals the beginning of a new year, fireworks will be set off for the end of the celebration.

Come hungry if you're planning on attending the event. Food trucks will be serving up food starting at 5 p.m. and complimentary pickles will be handed out from the company.

Prizes will also be given out after the fireworks. Those wanting to be entered into the drawing can either donate canned goods or make a financial contribution to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

Over $10,000 was raised during last year's virtual pickle drop and food drive.

The grand prize this year will be a pool pickle similar to the one used in the drop.

Williams said while the event has always been a draw for those local to the area, they also consistently get visitors from out of the state and even the country.

"The event's on everybody's bucket list of folks that kind of want to do something different every New Year's, so it's always amazing to see how many people are there and where they're coming from," said Williams.

The pickle drop began in 1999 by a handful of employees at Mt. Olive Pickle Company. Before 2019, the event was held at the company's headquarters on Cucumber Boulevard.

"It was eight of us, and it just really grew from there," said Williams. "I think it's always been very organic and fun, and it's like everybody there is sort of in on the same joke that we're all here watching a pickle drop."

The event was shifted to the University of Mount Olive's campus in 2019, since the company had a construction project that made it difficult to hold the event on Cucumber Boulevard. Williams said they're happy to be able to hold the event at the university again since it allows more people to attend.

"We did our 20th anniversary event in 2019 [at the university], and it was so nice, and we had so much more room, and it was much easier for people to park," said Williams. "So, we're delighted that the university is letting us come back."

Last year's event was virtual only because of the coronavirus pandemic, but those who are unable to attend the pickle drop this year can still watch it online.

"We've always had the event webcast on YouTube, so we were actually doing virtual before virtual was cool ... so we have that in place so you can certainly enjoy in your pajamas at home," said Williams.

For those attending the event in person, Williams said the event will be held outside, and there will be plenty of room for people to maintain social distance.

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"If people would like to wear a face mask -- we encourage them to do so," added Williams.

There will be several restaurants open on New Year's Day, according to Williams, for people who would like to make attending the pickle drop a weekend-long event.

"We have our local brewery - R&R Brewing - and they're open for New Year's Eve and you can try their pickle beer," said Williams.

Pickle lovers can also pick up merchandise at the gift shop on Mt. Olive Pickle Company's headquarters from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve.