On August 17, 2024, the charming town of Pine River came alive with the tangy zest of pickles at the second annual Wefelmeyer Picklefest. What began as a celebration during Pine River’s 150th anniversary last year has quickly grown into a beloved tradition, honoring the legacy of the Wefelmeyer Pickle Company.
This year’s Picklefest was bigger and better, drawing even more visitors to indulge in pickle-inspired delights and enjoy a day full of activities. With the event located right where the Wefelmeyer Pickle Company once stood, next to the Paul Bunyan Trail, it was a perfect blend of history and community spirit.
The day was a feast for the senses. Our Camp Nisswa crew had an absolute blast exploring the event, starting with a must-have BBQ Sundae from Firehouse BBQ. This culinary masterpiece—a cup filled with baked beans, pulled pork, coleslaw, and a tangy pickle slice—topped with spicy BBQ sauce, was just as delicious as we remembered from last year. We couldn’t resist getting it again! Beyond the food, the festival featured over 40 vendors offering handmade crafts, many with a pickle theme, of course. The pickle-inspired foods were endless, and we sampled everything from pickles for a nickel to other creatively pickled treats.
We also had to try and, of course, get our hands on Snatch Mix’s pickle-inspired snack mix called The Real Dill. This savory blend was the perfect snack to munch on as we strolled through the event, and it truly lived up to its name.
No visit to Picklefest would be complete without snagging some festival swag, so we also had to get our hands on a Picklefest shirt. We found the perfect one at the Black Sheep Design + Gift vendor booth, a great keepsake to remember this fun day by.
Live music filled the air, adding to the lively atmosphere. Local musicians like Jerry Erickson and company, The Arcanes, and Abraham Benson kept the crowd entertained throughout the day. Meanwhile, historical interviews shed light on the rich heritage of the Wefelmeyer Pickle Company, with a special appearance by Fred Wefelmeyer III, the grandson of the company’s founder.
For those looking to explore the town, the Pickle Passport was a fun and interactive way to engage with local businesses. For just $2, participants collected coupons from various stores and entered a drawing for a chance to win $150. The proceeds from the passports helped support the Picklefest event.
Activities spread across town made sure there was something for everyone. Whether you were trying your hand at pickleball, building a pickle car at the Pickle Derby, or enjoying a street dance at the Damsite Restaurant, the festival offered endless entertainment.
The Wefelmeyer Picklefest truly captures the essence of Pine River—celebrating community, history, and the simple pleasures that bring us together. If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendar for next year. There’s nothing quite like Picklefest!
Be sure to follow the Pine River Chamber of Commerce to stay updated with local Pine River events and details on next year’s Picklefest.
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