Must be a good decade since the last time I attended the Gilroy Garlic Festival. It has grown over the years and some changes wre bound to happen. Signs direct ypu from 101 to festival parking. The lot is located further away from the festival grounds.
After parking, you line up for one of the shuttles for the 20 minute ride to Christmas Hill Park. A $10 fee includes parking and the round trip bus ride. Parking used to be free and was adjacent to the facilities
Upon entering the gates, a Nation's hot dog venue seems a bit out of place. They sponser the hot dog eating contest at Coney Island on the 4th of July.
On display is the championship belt for the current title holder, local resident Joey chestnut
The side of the pedestal displays the names of champions current and past. Joey Chestnut sits atop and at many spots for the last few years. Famed eater Takeru Kobayashi first won the belt in 2001 by doubling the previous year's winning total.
Due to differing points of view, Kobayashi switched allegiances and Chestnut began to rise to fame. His best being a blistering 69 dogs. A few years ago, female chanpions were recognized and presented with their own belt. 2016 happens to be the centennial mark for the holiday event
Finally the white pitched tent tops herald that you have arrived at the main venue. this is the larger of the 2 venues. Each venue has its own designated parking and shuttle areas.
What's a festival without beer to go along with the food...or by itself
Eww! That's the first reaction to discovering garlic flavored ice cream. It shouldnt be too unexpected since almost everything has garlic in it
The main draw has always been the food. You get a selection from typical street festival favorites plus a few others you wouldnt normally see anywhere else
With barbecues and food being cooked in the open or under tents, you get an amalgam of smells that combine into a delicious aroma that waft throught the grounds
Aside from beer, there is also wine. At few smaller tents, you will find other alcoholic beverages. At many more, you will find soft drinks and bottled water
Gourmet Alley is the largest food provider that caters to the visitors. They offer a number of items and a combination plate of the most popular dishes
My first order of the day is for fried calamari at Gourmet Alley. A very ordinary item with the zestiness coming from the cocktail sauce but little hint of garlic. I would skip it.
