TAVARES — If the aroma of garlic, fennel and vinegar begin wafting from the Lake County Historical Museum on Friday, Oct. 26, don't be alarmed, it's just the museum's first International Pickle Festival.

"I thought this festival would be a good way to introduce the County's cucumber heritage," said Dr. Diane Kamp, Director of Lake County museums. "Many people don't realize that in the 1920s Lake County was a leading shipper and producer of cucumbers in the nation."

The free festival at the museum, located on the first floor of the Lake County Historic Courthouse at 317 W. Main St. in Tavares, is from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will include the following activities:
• Pick the best homemade pickle
• Pickle sampling
• Guess the number of pickles in the jar
• A pickle tongue twister
• Pitch a pickle contest
• Pickle poetry by fourth graders from Tavares Elementary
• Four-foot pickle decorating contest

There is always something new to see and do at the Lake County Historical Museum. The museum, which features free admission, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. For more information, call (352) 343-9600.