Gilroy Garlic Festival preparing its 40th year

The Gilroy Garlic Festival is looking to put another year under its belt. Soon Christmas Hill Park will convert itself into an area for all things garlic for the 40th annual event.

All of the hard work and labor put in by organizers will be done in the name of a garlic flavored dish.

Some of the best chefs will turn out once again for the Garlic Festival Cook-Off while we’ll also be seeing the crowning of the first-ever Garlic Chef Junior at a new competition for 2018.

Some of the best of previous Garlic Festivals will also be on display.

“One of our signature images are the pyro chefs. That calamari they make in those pans is some of the best food at the festival,” says Brian Bowe–executive director of the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

Bowe says a new dance tent will be featured with a DJ as well. Adding to an event which already has live music from country stars in place for the weekend.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival also aims to give back to the community, having raised more than 11 million dollars for local schools and non-profit organizations since its early days.

“We’re very pleased for all that it does for the community especially giving back to local charities and non profits. It’s a wonderful engine for volunteerism and notoriety for Gilroy,” says Bowe.

Bowe says those hoping to attend the Gilroy Garlic Festival can all travel the 101 to Gilroy–following the long lines of cars and signs posted for the parking lots.

From those lots you can take the shuttle over to the festival site.

For information on entry and parking fees or what else is on the docket for this year’s Garlic Festival you can visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com