After I had answered the question about the pickle ornament, I picked up the local newspaper from back home in Berrien Springs, Michigan and there was a color picture of the "PICKLE PARADE". Under the picture it had this caption: Participants in Sundays's Pickle Fest Parade in Berrien Springs found sunny skies but chilly temperatures. The festival commemorates the tradition of the Christmas pickle, a special ornament that entitled the child who found it to an extra present or a chance to allow him or her to open presents first. So there is even a Pickle Parade. Dated December 3, 2000 Cheers from warm Florida Paul Koehler Ellenton, FL.