Garlic Festival lucky. Let’s coin the term and remind ourselves what the definition of luck is: Luck is when opportunity meets preparation. And this year’s board of directors and volunteer crew did a phenomenal job. Outstanding all the way around.
It’s uncanny how this community has not only sustained this wonderful event through 27 years, but nurtured it. Nutured it by making small improvements every year – like adding more individual shade umbrellas – and attending to details that make a difference – like making Gourmet Alley accessible from both sides of Christmas Hill Park. It means caring enough to run a volunteer crew and working hard when you show up.
Volunteer President Jennifer Speno set a determined tone for this year’s fest in the face of some rough circumstances – the death of longtime Presdient Dick Nicholls and the announcement that a grand prix automobile race would be held in San Jose on Garlic Festival weekend chief among them. She held up beautifully and Gilroy did so well that the final question was, “What race?” Mr. Nicholls no doubt is smiling.
Revenues. buoyed by an overdue ticket price increase, were up, up, up. Crowds were as healthy as ever and media attention stayed strong.
It’s a good time with a great track record, and the sense is that if we keep paying attention to details, Gilroy can sustatin this source of community pride and revenue for so many local organizations, for a long time. We’re lucky, sure, but it’s all about the work.
On our list
• pasta con pesto
Gourmet Alley directors should strongly consider bringing back the original recipe. Maybe lighten it up, but the current version just doesn’t measure up and hasn’t for two years.
• wine glass
A bit more elegance – or something with a bit of flair – for the logo and commemorative glasses would likely boost sales.
• shade arts and …
Imagine strolling through shaded arts and crafts areas. Vendors and customers would be happy to spend some time shopping in the shade and festival-goers would stay longer with the break.
• ampitheater
It’s time for the city to step up and build another ampitheater on the ranch side of the park – complete with large shade trees.
