The 36th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival got off to a scorching start Friday as large crowds poured through the gates to get to the garlicky goodness. Here are some of the day’s highlights:
Hot spots: Places in the shade were few and far between as festival goers sought relief from the souring temperatures The lines for Olam’s free garlic ice cream were long, but came with mixed reactions from first-time tasters. Gourmet Alley’s famous pyro chefs drew large crowds and plenty of gasps from onlookers watching as large fireballs lept from the pans.
Hidden gem: The Teen Zone—located at the far end of Christmas Hill Park—was much less crowded, but still had plenty of fun to offer. Garlic lovers young and old enjoyed the zipline and sweet treats in this area.
Weather: The sun showed no mercy Friday as temperatures reached 103 degrees. Those visiting the festival tomorrow will find it to be a little cooler, with a high of 89 expected around 4 p.m., according to The Weather Channel.
Festival highlights: Santa Clara University took home the second Garlic Bowl crown in it’s first year joining the competition.
“It was a great day, we had a lot of fun. We had a lot of wonderful food and enjoyed wonderful entertainment,” Executive Director of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Brian Bowe said. “We watched the Garlic Bowl and Santa Clara University won that, so that was great.”
The festival debuted it’s new blue parking lot on Day Road on Friday, which offered shuttle buses to and from the festival grounds. Bowe said that it was smooth sailing for the new lot and that many attendees commented that it made getting to the festival easier.
The Garlic Festival’s 3-day pass for locals was also a big success, Bowe said, and that several festival goers took advantage of the discounted admission.
What to see tomorrow: The Great Garlic Cook-Off—which features amateur chefs vying for $5,000 and a garlic crown—kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Cook-Off Stage. Winners will be announced at 12:15 p.m. Also, come watch yours truly, Sports Editor Erin Redmond, take on a former Garlic Queen at 5 p.m. in the “Beat the Queen” contest. It kicks off with a consumption challenge followed by a test of strength and concluding with a flame-up.
Advice from the experts: Bring plenty of sunscreen and dress appropriately for the warm temperatures. Water is available for free at many booths, so make sure you stay hydrated!
