Local Scene: Agnitsch selected to represent Gilroy at international festival

Garlic City Car Show moves to new venue

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce’s 25th Annual Garlic City Car Show & Business Expo is scheduled for 5:30-8pm May 29. This year’s event will take place at a new venue: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park.  

The milestone quarter-century anniversary year brings the event to a new location that will offer even more space and amenities to showcase more than 100 custom and classic vehicles, connect with 60-plus South County businesses, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment in a whimsical garden setting, according to the chamber.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of both the Car Show and Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park—a dual celebration of community and tradition.

“This is more than a car show—it’s a community celebration,” said Manny Bhandal, CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. “Bringing it to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park allows us to offer a one-of-a-kind experience that blends nostalgia with networking and fun.”

General admission is $10 per person. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Premium Pass Holders receive free entry. Guests will enjoy:

• Live DJ and entertainment

• Complimentary appetizers at the chamber mixer

• Food and beverages for purchase, along with samples

• Limited access to select rides

• Free parking

Business Expo registration costs $150 for chamber members, and $250 for non-members. Food and beverage vendors may provide samples (but no sales). Art and business vendors may sell merchandise with a valid seller’s permit. 

Vehicle registration costs $50 per vehicle, and includes admission for the driver and one guest. Additional guests must purchase general admission tickets.

To register your vehicle, visit https://tinyurl.com/2b8eb3vz. 

Kids younger than 5 are free. Proceeds benefit the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.

Agnitsch selected to represent Gilroy at international festival

The Gilroy Sister Cities Association has selected Miss Kennedy Agnitsch as their ambassador for the Sanjoaninas Festival in Portugal. 

Gilroy maintains a sister city relationship with Angra do Heroísmo, located on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. Agnitsch will attend the 10-day festival this June and will join several young women representing Angra’s other Sister Cities worldwide. 

She will participate in the nighttime parade on an elaborately decorated float alongside the Sanjoaninas Festival queen and court, says a press release from the GSCA.

Her responsibilities will include attending various events such as concerts and competitions to assist in presenting awards and prizes. She will also participate in formal city gatherings, have opportunities to meet with visiting dignitaries and be interviewed by the media.

Gilroy has six sister cities: Angra in the Azores; Takko-Machi, Japan; Saint Clar, France; Montecillo di Ongina, Italy; Tecate, Mexico; and Koror, Palau. 

GSCA welcomes and hosts visitors from these sister cities and encourages cultural exchange opportunities with their students and adults several times each year. Contact gs**@gm***.com for more information.