09/19/2026
Find the event agenda here!
Please join us next Saturday beginning at noon, and support our fundraising efforts!
WE ARE ONE WEEK OUT FROM THE SCHICKEL PICKLE FEST!
See the latest news release below. The agenda is officially set! I how you’ll join us to raise money for a great cause!
Agenda set for Schickel’s Pickle and Wiener Fest
Spotlight to be on Special Olympics athletes throughout Sept. 26 fundraiser event
FLORENCE, Ky. - Special Olympics of Northern Kentucky (SONKY) athletes will join John Schickel in leading “God Bless America” during a 2:30 p.m. opening ceremony, part of the finalized agenda for Schickel’s Pickle and Wiener Fest on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The event will begin at noon and will run until 5 p.m. The event will be held at Erlanger Lions Park, 5996 Belair Drive, Florence. Admission is free, but businesses and attendees are encouraged to sponsor or purchase raffle tickets in order to raise funds. All proceeds benefit SONKY. Last year’s event raised $58,000 for the local program.
Beginning at noon, guests can enjoy food, including John Schickel’s award-winning pickles, live music by the Lazy River Band, children’s games and a New Riff bourbon tasting for those 21 and older. Silent-auction bidding will also open at noon, and two raffles will be held during the afternoon.
The 2:30 p.m. ceremony will begin with an opening prayer and blessing of the pickle barrel by Monsignor Dominic Fosu, pastor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Burlington, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by U.S. Rep. James Comer.
Schickel and Special Olympics athletes will then lead “God Bless America,” accompanied by the Lazy River Band. Raffle drawings are scheduled for 4 p.m., and the silent auction closes at 4:30. The event will conclude at 5 p.m.
Schickel will emcee the opening proceedings before turning the event back over to the day's fun and festivities. To prioritize spotlight for Special Olympics participants, there will be no political speeches, but prospective political candidates may be available to connect with the attending press. Given the demanding schedules of public officials and candidates for public office, Schickel plans to introduce officials and candidates as they arrive and during breaks in the program, rather than at a fixed time.
Officials and candidates should contact Schickel or Dustin Isaacs upon arrival to ensure they are recognized.
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Information for news media
Organizers will prioritize arranging on-camera interviews with Schickel, Special Olympics of Northern Kentucky Program Director Mark Staggs and Special Olympics athletes who wish to participate. Reporters are encouraged to contact Dustin Isaacs or Schickel before the event so organizers can coordinate availability with the program and help connect media with participants.
The event will use a microphone and PA speakers. No press multibox will be provided. Crews should bring their own audio equipment.
For media coordination, contact Isaacs at 502-682-2591 or [email protected]. Schickel can be reached directly at 859-628-5150.
Erlanger Lions Gaming License: ORG000529
