Hundreds of pickle enthusiasts of all ages gathered for the first Pickle Paradise festival June 21 in Pottawatomie Park in downtown . Guests enjoyed pickle-flavored items that included nuts, hot sauce, chips, ranch dressing, popcorn, mustard, pretzels, soda, lemonade and even beer. Local vendors served pickles of all kinds, including fried pickles, Kool-Aid pickles, pickle pasta, pickle salad and more.
The free event began with a pickleball tournament in the Pottawatomie Community Center. St. Charles residents Bernee and Lane Gredzileski took home the first-place trophy.
More than 50 people participated in the Dill Dash, a 1-mile fun run around the park. Many were dressed in pickle-themed outfits and costumes. Runners were able to grab pickle samples along the route.
St. Charles resident Logan Ramos, 8, was the first racer to cross the finish line. Ramos, a student at Lincoln Elementary School, said he did not expect to win the race, but his hard work paid off as he was able to take first place by a wide margin.
Other family-friendly entertainment took place throughout the evening, including Hula-Hoop and limbo contests, carnival games, music and a DJ. The Pickle Patch was open for guests to sample a variety of pickles and pickle-flavored products from local vendors. Jimmy John’s, Tap House Grill and Angelo Caputo’s had booths and trucks on-site, serving food in the park.
A beer garden was open in the park for guests 21 and older. Pollyanna Brewing Company served pickle c.