Find out what the big ‘dill’ is in Berrien County. They now have the longest-running pickle-themed festival in the state of Michigan. This tradition came back after a 16-year hiatus, but now they’re back to having (pickle) barrels of fun. Let’s find out why Southwest Michigan is welcoming the return of this crunchy classic.
This festival reached its heyday in the 1990s after Berrien Springs was named the Christmas Pickle Capitol of the world in 1995. The tradition fizzled out in 2005, but organizers revived the festival in 2021. Now celebrating everything to do with pickles is their ‘bread and butter’.
Dill, kosher, gherkin, bread and butter, and everything in between, you’re bound to taste some delicious pickles. You’ll also find several other pickled fruits and vegetables from mushrooms, to asparagus, to peaches.
Berrien Springs, being named the Christmas Pickle Capitol of the world, has to be responsible for naming the best pickle at the festival. Frankly, Dillard, the festival mascot, is the best pickle in the world in my opinion. There are still numerous categories for different shapes, styles, and flavors of pickles.
I’ve never tried pickle-flavored cotton candy, but if there’s one place to do it, I’m sure it’s at the Berrien Springs Pickle Festival. The Pickled Piper Tasting Room will have you trying pickles like you’ve never before. Don’t be surprised when you see pickle pork rinds or even pickles on pizza.
No sport would fit this festival better than pickleball. While it has nothing to do with vinegar-soaked cucumbers, it is a newer game. This certainly wouldn’t have been around when the festival fizzled out in the mid-2000s, so its definitely one of their newer traditions.
I know a few people who would run for the right pickle, but it would have to be attached to a string in front of them. These participants are racing in the ‘In a Pickle’ 5K that makes its way through Andrews University’s campus. I’m sure a shot of electrolyte-rich pickle juice is waiting for them at the finish line.
No festival is complete without a royal court, and this one is a big ‘dill’. Youngsters compete for several roes including Miss Berrien Springs Pickle Festival, Jr. Miss Pickle Festival, and Pickle Festival Prince and Princess.
Pickles are an incredible food because they can be made out of anything. We typically think of pickling cucumbers, but this festival shows us that this cooking method isn’t limited to that. The festival takes place around July 4th every year, but make sure to check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date info. While you’re in town, check out this great trail located in Berrien Springs.
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