Schickel's Pickle and Wiener Fest returns to Florence on Saturday, Sept. 26, with new raffle prizes, confirmed VIP guests and a bourbon tasting to raise money for Special Olympics Northern Kentucky.
The free event runs noon to 5 p.m. at Erlanger Lions Park, 5996 Belair Drive. Last year's Fest raised $58,000 for the volunteer-run program, which provides year-round athletic opportunities for more than 1,000 athletes across seven sports. That total represented more than half of the program's annual operating budget, according to organizers.
Two raffle drawings headline the new additions. A $500 Shell gasoline prize, donated by Greg Schrand, costs $1 per ticket. A restaurant gift-card package valued at $1,200 costs $10 per ticket. Organizers will draw both winners at 4 p.m.
"A dollar gives you a chance at $500 in gas. Ten dollars gives you a chance at $1,200 in restaurant gift cards," said Mark Staggs, program director of Special Olympics Northern Kentucky. "More importantly, every ticket helps us build another strong year for the Special Olympics of Northern Kentucky."
Raffle tickets are available in advance from participating Special Olympics athletes and coaches, or at the Fest. Staggs can be reached at 859-835-7171 or [email protected].
U.S. Rep. James Comer is scheduled to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the 2:30 p.m. opening ceremony. Ed Gallrein, the Republican nominee for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, has also confirmed his attendance. Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Joe Walter, a Florence resident who played 12 seasons with the team, is scheduled to appear as well.
No political speeches are planned.
Former state Sen. John Schickel, the event's organizer, said public officials and candidates will be recognized as they arrive, but the program will stay focused on the athletes.
The opening ceremony begins with a prayer and blessing of the pickle barrel by Monsignor Dominic Fosu, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Burlington. Schickel and participating athletes will then lead "God Bless America," accompanied by the Lazy River Band.
The afternoon also features Schickel's award-winning pickles, food, children's games, a silent auction and live music. New Riff Distilling, the Fest's official bourbon partner, will offer a tasting for guests 21 and older. The Newport-based distillery created a bourbon-and-pickle-juice cocktail called Schickel's Pickleback specifically for the event, the NKY Tribune reported.
Schickel was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame's Roll of Honor for Public Service Distinction in September 2026, recognizing his 16 years in the state Senate and work on Kentucky's alcohol laws.
The Fest began as a fundraiser for Schickel's political campaigns before evolving into a Special Olympics benefit in 2024. Businesses interested in sponsoring can contact Schickel at 859-628-5150.
What to know:
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26, noon to 5 p.m.
- Where: Erlanger Lions Park, 5996 Belair Drive, Florence
- Cost: Free admission; raffle tickets $1 and $10
- Opening ceremony: 2:30 p.m.
- Raffle drawing: 4 p.m.
