A festive atmosphere filled the air as a costumed pickle and a contestant in a bright yellow shirt celebrated the start of the pickle eating contest.

A festive atmosphere filled the air as a costumed pickle and a contestant in a bright yellow shirt celebrated the start of the pickle eating contest.

<p>Donta Lewis operates the pickle train, giving kids and adults a fun ride around the NC Pickle Festival grounds.</p>

Donta Lewis operates the pickle train, giving kids and adults a fun ride around the NC Pickle Festival grounds.

<p>Festival guests of all ages climbed aboard the pickle train operated by Donta Lewis for a tour around the NC Pickle Festival.</p>

Festival guests of all ages climbed aboard the pickle train operated by Donta Lewis for a tour around the NC Pickle Festival.

<p>Festival goer Phil McLamb and family watch as Ross the Balloon Guy twists pickles, puppies and more.</p>

Festival goer Phil McLamb and family watch as Ross the Balloon Guy twists pickles, puppies and more.

<p>A band energizes the crowd with live music at the NC Pickle Festival.</p>

A band energizes the crowd with live music at the NC Pickle Festival.

<p>Deputies Riggs and Atkinson of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office greet visitors and provide information at their booth during the festival.</p>

Deputies Riggs and Atkinson of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office greet visitors and provide information at their booth during the festival.

<p>Performers take the spotlight at the New Hope Extended Stage, bringing more music and entertainment to this year’s Pickle Festival.</p>

Performers take the spotlight at the New Hope Extended Stage, bringing more music and entertainment to this year’s Pickle Festival.

<p>Contestants kick off the pickle eating contest with big smiles and high spirits during the NC Pickle Festival in Mount Olive on Saturday.</p>

Contestants kick off the pickle eating contest with big smiles and high spirits during the NC Pickle Festival in Mount Olive on Saturday.

A festive atmosphere filled the air as a costumed pickle and a contestant in a bright yellow shirt celebrated the start of the pickle eating contest.

Donta Lewis operates the pickle train, giving kids and adults a fun ride around the NC Pickle Festival grounds.

Festival guests of all ages climbed aboard the pickle train operated by Donta Lewis for a tour around the NC Pickle Festival.

Festival goer Phil McLamb and family watch as Ross the Balloon Guy twists pickles, puppies and more.

A band energizes the crowd with live music at the NC Pickle Festival.

Deputies Riggs and Atkinson of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office greet visitors and provide information at their booth during the festival.

Performers take the spotlight at the New Hope Extended Stage, bringing more music and entertainment to this year’s Pickle Festival.

Contestants kick off the pickle eating contest with big smiles and high spirits during the NC Pickle Festival in Mount Olive on Saturday.