They met a couple from Atlanta who had come all the way to
Gilroy for the festival; they met former garlic queens returning to
their old haunt and they met local children with aspirations of
becoming queen.
Gilroy – They met a couple from Atlanta who had come all the way to Gilroy for the festival; they met former garlic queens returning to their old haunt and they met local children with aspirations of becoming queen. In the three days of the festival, this year’s garlic queen and her court had conversations with, made speeches to and shook hands with tens of thousands of people with a common interest – garlic.
“It’s really cool to represent that and be a part of that,” this year’s second runner-up Diane Briones said.
The 2007 Miss Gilroy Garlic, Cherise Gowan, and her five court members – first runner-up Madelon Thomas, Briones, and princesses Brittany Jeske, Uilanikuulei Kaanapu and Adrianna Copado – spent the three days on their feet. At nearly every moment from the opening of the gates Friday morning to the festival’s conclusion Sunday evening, the women – dressed in matching black dresses, white sashes and sparkling tiaras on their head – did what they were chosen to do – represent the festival and the community.
Activities included hosting a cooking demonstration with Bob Filice, dancing to the sounds of Whiskey Falls, appearing with the members of the Got Milk? Gravity Tour and entertaining the youngest festival-goers in the children’s area.
In between, court members spoke with attendees, did some shopping and, of course, ate garlic-laden delights. It was a whirlwind, Gowan, 20, said.
“You don’t really think about time because there’s so much to do and so much to see and so many people to meet,” she said.
Strangers asked them questions and told them how enjoyable the festival was. Court members found themselves working even when they were walking from one tent to another.
As a result, they have few plans for this week other than resting and spending time at home.
“I just need to hang out and take it all in,” Gowan said.
