It’s here! Gilroy’s annual shining moment has arrived, along
with throngs of people ready to experience the Gilroy Garlic
Festival.
It’s here! Gilroy’s annual shining moment has arrived, along with throngs of people ready to experience the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
To welcome the many visitors to our area, we put together a few tips from the festival experts to help you have the best possible experience while you’re here. Hopefully, even the South Valley residents and old hats at the festival will learn a thing or two.
Enjoy!
Brian Bowe, executive director of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association
Number of festivals attended: 12
Where’s the shortest entrance line? “Gate Three probably has the shortest line. It’s the gate that most of the locals use.”
General tip: “Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and come early so you have enough time to enjoy everything at the Garlic Festival.”
Judy Lazarus, President of the Garlic Festival
Number of festivals attended: 18
What are the must-have souvenirs? “Herbie the bobblehead is always a good choice, and it’s got the year on it. I always like to buy a new baseball hat each year, and the cookbook is a good souvenir because it’s got recipes from the cook-off and the demonstrations, so it’s like taking a little piece of the festival home with you.”
General tip: “I don’t think a lot of people realize that the festival has two sides, (the park side and the ranch side). You’ve got to visit both sides of the venue because there’s such great stuff on either side. So, be sure to cross Miller.”
Ken Fry, Co-chair of Gourmet Alley
Number of festivals attended: 27
Best time to get in line for a combo plate? “Early – the minute the door opens. But, we’ve opened two more lines this year, so there will be six lines instead of four, which will help us get everyone through quickly. We go like heck to make sure you get your food fast.”
General tip: “Come early and enjoy as much as possible before the really big crowds come in.”
Karen LaCorte, Member of Advisory Committee
Number of festivals attended: More than 20
What are you most looking forward to this year? “For me the highlight is going to be what’s going on at Gourmet Alley. They’ve got the scampi, pesto, calamari – everyone has to see a flame-up – and all the other delicious food. The food is the heart of the Garlic Festival, so I’m looking forward to all the different things to eat and seeing what’s going on at the cook-off stage.”
General tip: “Wear cool clothing, plan on sampling everything and have a good time.”
Cherise Gowan,
2007 Garlic Queen
Number of festivals attended: About 15
Is there anything to be avoided at the festival? “I can’t say there’s anything people should avoid, because you have the best time when you experience everything.”
General tip: “For people who live in Gilroy, think about volunteering and getting involved. It’s a whole other way to experience the festival, and it’s amazing.”
Bill Headley, Chair of Parking
Number of festivals attended: 29
Where’s the best place to park? “Come early for the best parking, and follow the signs from the freeway. People try to find a different way, and then end up having to turn around because of street closures. During the days of the festival, you won’t be able to go all the way through on Santa Teresa, but it will open back up at night. Also remember that you can’t leave reluctant kids or pets in your cars. We have and will tow and take custody of both.”
General tip: “Drink plenty of fluids, dress in layers and hats are always advisable. You can bring water in with you, but not ice chests or glass containers. Also, no pets are allowed in the festival or the parking lot, with the exception of seeing-eye dogs, of course.”
Barbara DeLorenzo, Chair of the Recipe Cook-off
Number of festivals attended: About 20
What food is not to be missed? “The new garlic fries are not to be missed. They are fabulous. Go for those and, of course, have some mints handy. But I really have to give kudos to Gourmet Alley for those fries – they’re to die for.”
General tip: “Friday is the least attended day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, that’s a good day to experience the festival. Also, come early!”
