The next generation of Flame Up Chefs Dominic Bozzo and Archer Rider skillfully handle garlic scampy duties as Kim Ramsey looks on.
Queen, was crowned in 1979. Launching a new tradition this year, Ken Christopher hosted family book readings of his children ' s picture book, Elephant Garlic Festival, and handed out free copies to attending families.
The Experience:
Between meals, attendees visited the wine tent, craft beer garden, and artisan booths selling everything from photography to foam garlic-bulb hats, alongside live sets from local rock, country, pop, soul, and blues bands. Guests also picked up an array of free takeaways, including garlic ice cream, Toom garlic dip samples, commemorative shakers, and bulbs of Christopher Ranch heirloom garlic given out at the exit gates.
Community Impact
As always, the event was hosted entirely by volunteers, with hundreds of them working hard under the summer sun to raise funds for their school sports teams and clubs, service groups, and other charities. The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association will announce its 2026 charity distribution total later this year. The 2025 event donated $ 74,000 to local nonprofits, bringing total community contributions to over $ 12 million since 1979.
Lifelong Gilroy residents Janet and Joey Costa did not let Janet ' s recent knee surgery stop their plans to attend the Festival. Both agreed the food and the community spirit made it all worth it.
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