After raising $58,000 for Special Olympics Northern Kentucky last year, John Schickel’s Pickles and Wieners Feast will return Saturday, September 26, for an afternoon of food, live music and fundraising at Erlanger Lions Park.
The free-admission event will run from noon-5 p.m. at 5996 Belair Drive in Florence. The Feast will include food, a silent auction, two raffles, live music by the Lazy River Band and a New Riff bourbon tasting planned for guests 21 and older.
“This event is supposed to be simple: Come as you are, bring your family, eat a pickle and a hot dog, listen to some good music and help some wonderful athletes,” former Kentucky state Sen. John Schickel said. “People showed up in a big way last year. We raised $58,000, and I want to see if Northern Kentucky can top that this year.”
“Western Kentucky has its Fancy Farm. We have the Pickle Feast,” Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore said. “It has developed into quite a gathering spot for persons seeking statewide political office, and I look forward to seeing my friends from around the state.”
The Feast began in 2012 and has grown into a major fundraiser for a volunteer-run program that provides year-round opportunities for local athletes.
Special Olympics Northern Kentucky program Director Mark Staggs said last year’s record $58,000 represented more than half of the program’s annual operating budget.
Organizers are accepting event sponsorships and select auction donations. Businesses or individuals who want to help may contact Schickel at 859-628-5150.
Raffle tickets are available in advance from participating Special Olympics athletes and coaches and will also be sold at the Feast. For more information on raffle tickets, contact Mark Staggs, Program Director for Special Olympics of Northern Kentucky, staggsm@fuse.net or by phone at 859-835-7171.
John Schickel