The harvest is nearly in and the aromas are looming as Revelstoke Garlic Festival makes its return.
The festival fondly known as a 'stinkin' good time,' will be held on September 15 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The festival is run by the Local Food Initiative (LFI) and is a big fundraiser for the organization. The $5 entrance fee will go towards LFI's operational needs.
According to the event's Facebook page, the festival will include:
- 60+ Local Vendors 鈥� Shop handmade crafts, fresh produce, and more.
- Chicken Bingo 鈥� A quirky and fun game for all ages.
- Live Music
- Kids' Entertainment & Games
- Workshops
- Pie Baking Contest
- Raffles & Giveaway
The festival was previously run by Track Street Growers, but as the festival grew, Track Street Growers knew that it needed help. Welcome LFI to the group chat. LFI took on the festival in 2023 and is back again to continue to grow this popular event.
Revelstoke LFI executive director Amanda Cockburn explained that Track Street Growers and Stoke the Fire had run the festival on its property, and when LFI stepped in to help run the festival, no one knew entirely what to expect.
"Last year was our first year and we really didn't know what it was going to be and we were blown away by the support from the community," said Cockburn.
Cockburn said that besides local vendors, there will be vendors visiting from throughout the Okanagan. Beyond opportunities to purchase garlic and other produce, the festival offers an educational component, with 'grow your own garlic' and canning workshops.
The festival will open with storytelling from the Indigenous Friendship Society, followed by activities for children, featuring an inflatable salmon that folks can walk through.
As far as what to do with the garlic you take home, Cockburn is on the hunt for a killer Caesar salad recipe for her garlic.
