Pickle Fever Sweeps North Dakota State Fair

The Rise of Picklemania at the North Dakota State Fair

At the North Dakota State Fair, a unique trend is taking center stage: pickle-flavored dishes. What started as an unconventional idea has now become a beloved staple for fairgoers, drawing attention and excitement from visitors across the region.

Pickle-flavored foods have been making waves in the Magic City for several years, but this year's fair has seen an even greater surge in popularity. From classic favorites like pizza and poutine to more unexpected creations, the humble pickle has found its way into a variety of dishes, adding a tangy twist that surprises and delights taste buds.

The journey of this pickle phenomenon began six years ago when Rick’s Pizza sought to introduce something new and different. Instead of the traditional red sauce, the team came up with a white sauce infused with pickles, creating what would become known as the Pickle Pizza. This bold move quickly gained traction, proving that sometimes thinking outside the box can lead to a hit.

Rick Ukmar, owner of Rick’s Pizza, shared his thoughts on the creation. “It was just something we wanted different than a red sauce that everyone is used to,” he said. “We came up with a white sauce, something a little different, and it was actually pretty good. It was a big hit.”

The success of the Pickle Pizza inspired others to experiment with the ingredient. One such example is the Pickle Poutine, introduced by Attavio’s Fries. Attavio Ukmar, son of Rick Ukmar, took inspiration from the original recipe and created a dish that combines dill ranch sauce with French fries and cheese curds, offering a new take on a classic favorite.

“Essentially, we use almost the same dill ranch sauce that we do with the pickle pizza, and I created it on some dill pickle poutine,” Attavio explained. His creation showcases how the family has embraced the pickle trend, turning it into a shared passion and business venture.

As a father-son duo, they work closely together, balancing their roles as business partners and family members. While there may be moments of disagreement or shouting, they believe it contributes to the quality of their products. “It’s good. There’s some yelling here and there, but I think that’s what makes the product even better than it would be,” Attavio said.

Despite the challenges of running a business, the pair finds joy in their work and the time spent together. “We spend a lot of time out here. The majority of the time, we’re working, we’re always hauling, doing something, so we don’t have a lot of time off, but when we do, we enjoy it out here,” he added.

Whether visitors love the pickle-powered plates or prefer more traditional options, these creative dishes reflect the spirit of the North Dakota State Fair. They highlight the ingenuity and passion of the people who bring the fair to life, making it a memorable experience for all.

As the trend continues to grow, it remains to be seen what other pickle-based creations Rick’s Pizza might unveil in the future. However, one thing is certain: the pickle craze is far from over, and the fair is ready for whatever comes next.