39th Gilroy Garlic Festival kicks off

It’s a summer staple that draws people from all over the state and across the country. In its 39th year, organizers say the Gilroy Garlic Festival is “Bigger, better and bolder”.

This year they hope to capitalize on the food.

“[We] brought in some top star chefs from Food Network who are doing food cook-offs and demonstrations,” said Mike Zukowsky with the Gilroy Garlic Festival said.

The food at the Gilroy Garlic Festival was famous even before top star chefs were brought in.

“We make all of the scampi and calamari for the entire festival it’s a big job but somebody’s got to do it, said Ashley Schaffner.

Ashley comes from a family of Pyro Chef”s who’ve made those festival food for nearly it’s entire history. Though they may be biased the dishes served this weekend are worth the trip.

“It’s a lot more flavorful that garlic is obviously very forward,” Schaffner said. They’re recipes that have been being used since the original festival. It’s definitely worth it.”

It’s not just for the food, all the money visitors spend at the festival goes to a good cause.

“All of the proceeds that come off of our festival here goes back into the community,” Zukowsky said.