BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, August 2, the Beverly Hills Farmers Market will celebrate its 21st anniversary by hosting the Beverly Hills PickleFest contest and celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Home preserving and fermented foods are both extremely trendy right now,” Beverly Hills Farmers Market Manager Greta Dunlap said to Westside Today. “But they’re not just popular. They’re sensible, healthy, economical and fun. We want to bring that to the community.”

The pickle contest will consist of two different categories: Best Dill Pickle in Beverly Hills and “I Can Pickle That!”

Contestants participating in the latter category may bring any pickled vegetable or fruit to be judged.

“Pickling is not just for cucumbers and dilly beans,”  Joseph Shuldiner, head of the Institute for Domestic Technology, told Westside Today. “Imagine ice cream topped with a pickled loquat compote. There’s really no limit.”

The Institute for Domestic Technology partnered with the Beverly Hills Farmers Market several years ago, and hosts food crafting workshops for members of the public at the Greystone Mansion.

Nate ‘n Al’s delicatessen, a popular Beverly Hills eatery, will sponsor the event, and a deli staff member will sit on the judging panel. In both contests, the pickles submitted must have been grown in California to be considered. Pickles will be judged on color, taste, appearance, originality and texture. Jars with any personalized decorations will be disqualified.

First, second and third place winners in both categories will receive $200, $100 and $50 gift cards from Nate ‘n Al’s deli.

In addition to the contest, Nate ‘n Al’s will also run a booth with pickle-themed children’s activities, including pickle making and pickle toss.

All regular farmers market vendors will also be in attendance. Admission to the event is free.

For more information about PickleFest, and to see winners from previous years, visit the official website. A complete list of the competitions’ rules, as well as applications, are also available online. For any additional questions, call (310) 285-6830.

Free two-hour parking is available in the Civic Center parking garage or in the nearby Third Street garage until 2 p.m.