For at least one day of the year, it’s acceptable to kiss with
pungent breath
– the Garlic Festival is a place for love
By Katie Niekerk Lifestyles Editor
Gilroy – It was Cindee Oback and David Lewis’ first time together. He had never done it before; he wasn’t sure what to expect. She had done it, but that was 19 years ago and she was a little rusty.
The two had been in a relationship for about a year, but it took some prodding from Cindee’s niece and grandniece – of all people – for her to realize that the time was right, they needed to take that step.
So, they did. With beers in hand and breath reeking of garlic, Cindee and David attended their very first Garlic Festival as a couple.
Whether creating new memories or upholding a much-revered tradition, couples strolling the Garlic Festival hand in hand is a common sight. For Yolanda Taylor, 39, and David Said, 31, coming to the festival is romantic because they know they’re doing something they’ll remember for years to come.
“We try to get away on the weekends as much as we can,” David said. The couple, from Vallejo, were walking hand-in-hand near Gourmet Alley Saturday afternoon. “The weekend getaways are romantic, so in that sense, the Garlic Festival is romantic for us.”
It was less about romance and more about having fun with the family for Santa Cruz residents Sunny and Sean Carroll, who brought their 6-year-old son, Chris, for a day at the festival. The couple have been married eight years, and curiosity about garlic ice cream is what led them here for the first time.
“Looking back, this will be a memory, so in that way, I guess it is romantic,” said Sean while scooping an impatient Chris up in his arms as the three walked from their car to the festival’s entrance.
Tonya Crafton, 30, had no reservations that the Garlic Festival is a place for affection and swooning – especially when the alcohol starts pouring and the garlic is consumed. She and her fiance of two years, 36-year-old Sam Carnia, had been to the festival three or four times before this, and to them, nothing says romance like the stinking rose.
“After you start downing the garlic, when you make out, it’s just wonderful,” said Tonya, laughing, before laying a fat one on Sam’s cheek.
For Cindee, 49, and David Lewis, 58, their first Garlic Festival won’t be their last. Cindee couldn’t get enough of the vendors lined up opposite of the Vineyard Stage Saturday afternoon, and David was enjoying the beer, garlic and live entertainment.
“It’s nice weather, it’s fun,” Cindee said. “And you get all huggy and kissy after a few beers. You gotta love that.”
