The future of the Garlic Festival: What comes next as Gilroy mourns?

You can’t walk very far in Gilroy without running into someone who has a story of survival to tell, whether it’s someone else’s or their own. It’s more common now after a deadly shooting at the annual Garlic Festival left three people dead.

Organizers for the annual event and the residents who attend it are understandably shaken. Organizers weren’t prepared to discuss the future just yet on camera, however residents had one thing to say: We want the festival back next year.

Some events pages have it taking place next year, however organizers are looking to heal at this time and would not comment on the future of the festival.

“It breaks my heart,” says Gilroy resident Anna Garza. “I just continue to pray for them. They shouldn’t live in fear.”

There’s cautious optimism about next year’s event. The city wants it back and residents want it back.

If it does come back the other questions are how the layout will be this year compared to previous years and the type of security measures that would be on the way.

Still, as with the 40 other years, residents are looking forward to next year’s Garlic Festival.

“The whole town is upset, but we need to keep this festival going.”

The city says they’re working with all parties to keep the festival going, but for now leave it up to the Garlic Festival Board of Directors.