One thing is for certain, and it's that the South Bay will not have to worry about vampires this weekend.
Every summer, Gilroy dedicates an entire weekend to celebrate its world-famous garlic with an all-out festival. The Gilroy Garlic Festival, in its 37th year, will run today through Sunday and feature garlicky culinary delicacies to sample, 100 arts and crafts vendors, music performances, and even a wedding this year, according to festival representatives.
A new installment to the festivities this year includes a test kitchen where chefs from all over the country will compete in a recipe contest and cook-off. The public will be able to vote for the winner, whose dish will be featured on the festival's Gourmet Alley the next year, according to Gilroy Garlic Festival President Deanna Franklin.
"If you have never been to the festival before, I recommend checking out Gourmet Alley," Franklin said. "It is truly the heart of the festival."
The Garlic Festival's Gourmet Alley features almost any food imaginable with a zesty garlic twist. Festivalgoers will be able to try garlic calamari, scampi, garlic fries, garlic kettle corn, garlic tri-tip, the famous garlic ice cream, and even garlic watermelon, according to festival officials.
A lesser-known fact about the Gilroy Garlic Festival is that all proceeds go back into the Gilroy community, according to Franklin.
"Our festival is known worldwide," Franklin said. "Knowing that it's giving back is such an honor."
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