The 15th anniversary celebration of the South Cariboo Garlic Festival happens Aug. 23-24, and it is sure to be a smash hit with astronomic – and gastronomic – fun for young and old.
Organizer Jeanette McCrea says there are some new twists this year – the fifth annual event at the current Lac la Hache festival grounds.
The Garlic Festival will celebrate its 15th anniversary since originally founded by Gail Szolosi in Forest Grove, she adds.
“Bring the family and come on out for a stinkin’ good time.”
It all happens at the Felker Homestead on Highway 97 just north of central Lac la Hache.
Last year, 4,000 attendees, both local and visitors from far away and abroad took in this large family festival (with plenty of parking), McCrea notes.
She says the top 3 recipe entries for the 2014 Master Garlic Chef finalists have been chosen and notified, and will be participating in the Master Garlic Chef Cook-Off challenge during the event.
They include last year’s defending champion, Emma Bautista, who took first place in 2013 with her super, garlicky Adobong Manok with Baquio Beans.
As always, the Garlic Eating Contest will be a main festival feature complete with the unfailing contorted faces and hilarious heaves that go hand-in-hand with consuming multiple raw heads of the “stinking rose.”
The ever-lovely – if stinky – Garlina will be joined this year by Billy Barker, so McCrea says there may be a garlic-budding romance in the pungent air this year.
A lot of new faces will be among the numerous vendors offering everything from fresh garlic and garlic products to clothing and jewelry, soaps and pottery, and much more.
For a special treat this year, the Dr. Oetker foods company will be on site giving out free samples of its frozen pizzas.
The tasty food vendors will offer snacks and meals such as breakfast buns, pastries, pulled pork, sausage burgers, garlic burgers, mini donuts, as well as another new introduction – garlic ice cream.
Entertainment will once again feature the hugely popular Elvis (Steve Elliott), as well as musical groups Point Blank and the Amber Brown Band; singers Emaline Delapaix and Candace Copely; and family entertainer Mat Duffus.
McCrea says another inaugural activity offered this year is an interdenominational church service on the Sunday morning at 9 a.m., led by Bruce Wilcox of Lac la Hache.
This will be immediately followed by an all-new, Elvis Gospel Hour, she adds.
“We’re just going to tie it right in with the service.”
The event is open on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Aug. 24 from 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults/students and covers both days and all the entertainment, while children aged 12 years and under are free.
Complimentary day parking is available, including for RVs. Overnight parking is not allowed for security reasons.
McCrea says for the comfort and safety of all, the Garlic Festival strictly enforces a “No Pets” policy.
A large tent will be set up for some shade, she adds.
“Come on out and support the community, have a good time and listen to some great entertainment, both local and non-local. There will be something there for everyone.”
Visit the website at www.garlicfestival.ca to view a details on the vendors, entertainers, schedules and more general information.
