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2008 Attendance Numbers - HOT
The Gilroy Garlic Festival announced an attendance of 107,553 for the 30th presentation of the three-day event which concluded July 27 at Christmas Hill Park. The figure represents an eight percent increase over last year.
Additionally, Festival revenue, which benefits over 160 local non-profit organizations, was up over six percent from 2008. Included in this amount was the sale of 10,618 servings of garlic fries on Gourmet Alley.
“We are elated with the public’s response to this 30-year-old institution, especially in light of a struggling economy and rising fuel prices,” said 2008 Festival President Ed Struzik. “I believe this validates the public’s acceptance of the Garlic Festival as a fundamental summertime family activity.”
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President's Message
Welcome to the Gilroy Garlic Festival! For thirty years the Gilroy community has gathered in July to celebrate the magical power of garlic. What started as a small regional festival has become an international event that draws crowds from around the world.
While garlic is the star of the show, the driving force behind the Gilroy Garlic Festival is the army of dedicated volunteers committed to making the event so special. On behalf of those volunteers, I invite you to join us for our thirtieth presentation this July 25, 26 & 27. I promise you won't be disappointed.
-Ed Struzik, 2008 President
Featured Articles
Great Weather, Great Value Mark 30th Presentation
A combination of great weather and great value are bringing garlic fans from around the world to the 30th presentation ...
Flame-Ups Fill Gourmet Alley
The world-famous Gourmet Alley at the Gilroy Garlic Festival is "flaming-up" at the 30th presentation of this world class event Gourmet ...
Miss Gilroy Garlic 2008
Gilroy’s Ariele Combs is Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival 2008. Ariele, 24, is a graduate from the University of Arizona. She ...
Cook-Off
Walnut-Garlic Tart is Winning Recipe at Great Garlic Cook-OffMadison, Wisconsin’s Laurie Benda has been crowned the winner of the 2008 Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-Off. Benda’s creation of “Walnut-Garlic Tart with Garlic-Infused Creme and Chili Syrup,” earns Benda the coveted title of Cook-Off Champion and an array of prizes.
Demonstrations
“SakaBozzo” Cookbook Now Available 17 year Gilroy Garlic Festival Vets “SakaBozzo” have finally delivered the long awaited companion cookbook to the legendary “SakaBozzo Show.” Any Bozzo Can Cook debuted at the 2008 Gilroy Garlic Festival and is available for sale online.
The cookbook includes 102 recipes of appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and dessert that Gene and Sam have [...]
Showdown
Showdown Winner Crowned James Waller, Executive Chef of the Monterey Plaza Hotel has been crowned the winner of the 2008 Gilroy Garlic Festival “Garlic Showdown.”
Chef Waller edged out some of the most respected chefs in Northern California on the cook-off stage. The event, in it’s second year, features top culinary talent in a limited time competition for cash, honors and 1,000 pounds of Christopher Ranch garlic.
