Tuesday, October 7, 2025–10:30 a.m.

-David Crowder, WRGA News-

It’s almost time for the Cave Spring Pickle Festival.

The event is this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Rolater Park.

According to Billy Abernathy with the Cave Spring Historical Society, the event began five years ago.

“The first year, we had 30 vendors, and maybe one guy, playing a little guitar,” he said. “This year, we have 100 vendors, over 20 pickle vendors, and three bands each day. That’s what it has grown to. It’s amazing how fast it has grown, but all the money we make goes to all the [historic] buildings and the park. It costs a lot to keep them up, and the Historical Society does all of that.”

Those historical buildings include the Hearn Inn and the Hearn Academy.

“The Hearn Inn goes all the way back to 1839, but people stay there now,” Abernathy said. “It’s a busy, busy place now. A lot of the Pinhoti people stay there at the Hearn Inn. They shower, rest up, and get ready to go the next day. They really like it. It’s a popular thing with the hikers.”

Picklefest activities include live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, a costume contest, a quilt show, a cave tour, and of course, lots of pickles.

“You’d be surprised,” Abernathy said. “Anything with pickles, people try, like pickle cupcakes and pickle popcorn. Pickled peanuts are popular. If you want anything with pickles, it’s there. We also have event t-shirts made that are real popular too. On Sunday, we have the contest. Right now, we have over 30 people signed up for the pickle tasting contest.”

Admission is $5 at the gate. Kids under 12 get in free.