HUNTINGTON, NY – Did you know that every year, a Pickle Festival is held in on the border of Greenlawn? Yup, every September for the last 45 years, the Greenlawn Centerport Historical Association hosts a day of pickled goodness on the grounds of the historic John Gardiner Farm at 900 Park Avenue, Huntington to fundraise for the association.
But Why a Pickle Festival?
Although the property is named after John A. Gardiner, it was his father, Alexander Gardiner (1835-1914), who brought the pickle reputation to Greenlawn. A prominent farmer in the Town of Huntington, Gardiner was dubbed “The Pickle Pioneer” for his fields of pickles (cucumbers under 4” in size) among his 600-acre farmland. By the early 1880’s, he was not only encouraging other local farmers to do the same, he leased building space in an effort to promote the pickle industry by allowing processors to be close to the crop and the railroad transportation to access New York City markets.
Alexander Gardiner was the Pickle Pioneer, but Greenlawn’s history also recognizes Samuel Ballton as the “Pickle King”. Born a slave in Virginia, Mr. Ballton escaped and made his way to Greenlawn in 1873, where he became a successful farmer, businessman, and promoter of Greenlawn. He earned his title of Pickle King after a wildly successful season in which he grew 1.5 million pickles.
With a thriving pickle industry thanks in part to Greenlawn’s farmers and entrepreneurs, it is no wonder that an annual Pickle Festival takes place to support the historical association.
The 2025 Festival
On Saturday, September 20, an estimated 4,000 locals made their way to the festival to taste a variety of pickles, learn from the historical society, and check out the dozens of local craft market vendors selling handmade gifts and goods. Pickle varieties were provided by the Greenlawn Centerport Historical Association, Horman’s Best Pickles, and Yaphank Deli. Varieties included pickle on a stick, fried pickles, half spear, Kosher dill, mustard, jalapeno, horseradish, half sour, full sour, spicy sour, and so much more. The event also featured hay rides, a farmers market, photo ops, and rides on the Historic Lollipop Farm Train! Entry was a bargain, with just $5 for non-members of the historical association and a 20% discounted entry rate for members of the Greenlawn Centerport Historical Association.
Supporting Your Local Historic Society
The Town of Huntington has several historical societies, all of whom have a rich history to share and low-cost events all year long to educate the community, preserve historical properties and lands, and have some fun! Be sure to check out the Greenlawn Centerport Historical Association to learn more about their mission to preserve the history of the communities of Greenlawn & Centerport, and look up your local historical society! Events for our historical societies throughout the year are available on the Huntington Matters Calendar at huntingtonmatters.com/calendar. We hope you’ll give your support to these institutions so we can continue to learn about those who came before us in our communities.
Photography by Megan, Videography by June Margolin and Megan, Reel Editing by Megan. Copyright 2025 – All rights reserved.
