The event typically happens during the last full weekend( Fri Sat Sun) of July. This almost always insure the best if hot weather with plenty of sun. At the opening, the ceremonial Garlic Fire is lit much like the Olympic Flame. The Fire is extinguished at the closing on Sunday after the last clove of garlic is peeled. That last clove is set ablaze by the waning flame to burn a whole year before relighting the Flaming Bulb the following year.(Disclaimer: the previous paragraph may contain some ficticious material)
Gourmet Alley is positioned right in the middle of everything and in between the 2 areas of the festival. The Pyro Chefs take center stage as they cook up calamari and scampi. Their signature flame up being a draw of free entertainment for attendees.
Very large pans are kept very hot over the fires before the ingredients go into the pan
Olive oil, wine, tomato sauce, and spices are combined with seafood and prepared for hungry festival goers
Volunteers assist with eveyrthing from parking attendants to janitors and food prep. Bread is sliced and slathered with garlic butter before being toasted over an open flame to serve as a snack or accompany a combo meal
Some special guests are invited to flame on!
The ingredients and especially the oil is heated to a high temperature to insure the oohs and aahs of the gathered crown once the squid is dumpted in
After several seconds, the flames reach their maximum volume before dying down and being doused with some stock
The purveors of prepared foods items outnumber any other category of stalls. there are 2 parking areas for either end of the property.
I came in from the north and this side connects to the visitors coming from south of Gilroy. A little smaller than the north but not lacking in food, music, or activities
Throughout the park are several large and small tents with seating and tables for people to rest at or enjoy their purchases. Sun is practically guarantted. Using my shadow ninja skills, and forgetting to bring sunscreen, I fluttered in between shaded areas to minimize damage to my delicate milky skin. Sadly, I cannot say that I was completely unscathed.
If we were in Japan, their would be a mascot...oh wait there he is. Herbie happens to be near free ice cream
Samples of garlic flavored ice cream are handed out freely. It it wasnt, I doubt few would try it. this soft serve version is basically vanilla with a subtle garlic after taste.
