2017 Cucumber Festival encourages attendees to stay “Cool as a Cucumber”
By Cara L. Dempski
BOYCEVILLE — Did you know the peak temperature inside a cucumber’s skin is usually about 20 degrees cooler than the air temperature?
Or, did you know the waxy coating on a cucumber’s peel can be used to remove ink from paper, or crayon and marker from painted walls?
Do you have bad breath and no gum? Not to worry, just pop a slice of cucumber into your mouth and press it against the roof for 30 seconds for fresh breath.
With facts like these about what most people consider a salad staple, it is no wonder the village of Boyceville celebrates the mighty cucumber every August. The 2017 Cucumber Festival, held August 18-20, is titled “Cool as a Cucumber.”
The fun will kick off with the August 16 edition of the Glenwood City Tribune Press Reporter, which will contain the first clue regarding where the “Golden Pickle” is hidden; the first clue will also be posted at Jamie’s Buckshot Bar and Grill that day. Other Boyceville businesses will join in the fun by posting clues August 17, 18, 19 and 20 until the item is found.
The person who finds the pickle will be awarded a $100 cash prize.
Events like Sno-Jammers chicken, 16th annual tractor show, and homemade ice cream sale, softball tournament, food vendors, and homemade pickle contest will run during the whole festival. The Pickle Central shop on Main Street will also be open with t-shirts, pickle novelties, pickle creations and general information available to attendees.
The festival gets into full swing Friday August 18 with a quilt show opening at the public library at 4 p.m.. Carnival rides open on Main Street at 5 p.m., and the “Ain’t No One Horse Town” Parade starts at 7 p.m.
The kiddie variety show, “Oscar’s Big Break,” will start after the horse parade at approximately 7:30 p.m., before the band “Cherry Gun” fires up the dance party at the Firefighters’ tent at 8 p.m.
Athletes will need to be up bright and early August 19 to participate in the 17th Annual Cucumber 10k, 5k and one-mile run/walks starting at 8:30 a.m. at Boyceville Middle School. Those who love classic cars can stop by Main Street between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the 8th Annual Car Show. The carnival area will open at 11 a.m., and bingo will start in the Firefighters’ tent at the same time.
Buckshot Bar is once again holding a beanbag tournament at noon in front of the bar, and a pickle eating contest is scheduled for Main Street at 2 p.m. before the classic cars parade down the street at 2:30 p.m.
Drivers can test out their speed and drag racing skills at the Boyceville Municipal Airport starting at 3 p.m. in the “Rubber Meets the Runway” event.
There is a kiddie and pet parade scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday evening, with the tractor parade following at 6:30 p.m. The “Mojo Munks” will play in the Firefighters’ tent from 8 p.m. until midnight, and there is a fireworks display scheduled to start at dusk in Pafko Park.
Early-risers can walk, drive, or fly to the airport between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. August 20 for the annual fly-in/drive-in pancake breakfast. The Main Street carnival will open at 10 a.m. Sunday, with a pie and ice cream social starting at the same time at Trinity Lutheran Church.
The quilt show at the public library will run from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m..
The highlight of Sunday will be the Grand Parade at 1 p.m., led by this year’s grand marshals, Kathy Hanson and Delores Brezina. A kiddie tractor pull will be held immediately following the parade. The carnival will also open after the parade, and the band “Chimney Fish” will perform in the Firefighters’ Tent.
Cucumber Festival is free for anyone to attend, but some events may require entry or participation fees. Anyone with questions should contact Jamie Tilleson at 715-607-0498.
