Vermont Business Magazine Less than 12 hours after launching the “Garlic Fest 2018 Official Event –Sept 1-2” on Facebook, the Bennington Area Chamber reports that the event had 2,100 interested people and over 190 shares. This only proves that the beloved “Garlicfest” of Southern Vermont still has the interest and demand that has pushed it forward over the past 23 years.
“Only in the last couple years have we pushed this event through social and digital marketing channels and we have seen a huge gain,” shares Matt Harrington, executive director of the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce.“We are reaching out to a new audience that may not see the Garlicfest ad in print or notice the signs.We’re excited to see this festival grow.I think what attracts many to come back and others to try it for the first time is the authenticity and classic festival feel.We constantly hear how much the fans love the Southern Vermont Garlicfest because what better way to celebrate garlic and agriculture than in a field in beautiful Vermont.We have kept this festival true to its roots!”
The 23rdAnnual Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival will take place at Camelot Village on Saturday, September 1stand Sunday, September 2nd, 2018.In the past thetwo-day event was attended by over 15,000 people andhas been named one of Vermont’s “2018 Top Ten Events of the Year,” selected as a “Top Event” by Yankee Magazine’s Best of New England, considered as one of the Top 10 Garlic Festivals in the world and recently received the Bennington Banner Reader’s Choice “Best Event in Bennington 2018.”
The festival, also known as “Garlicfest,” has been a magnet event for the Bennington, The Shires of Vermont region and the state of Vermont drawing international crowds for more than two decades now.The weekend filled with of course, garlic, also entertains with over 20 food options, a beer and wine garden, eight live bands, and kids’ activities.
“This year we are doubling down on some of our features including composting and recycling which we had good success with last year,” states Lindy Lynch chairperson of the Garlicfest which is put on by the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce.“We have also met with all law enforcement and emergency personnel to continue to work on traffic, parking and emergency services.We also ask that if you have a pet please leave them home unless they are a service pet. We’ve had a lot of problems with pets in cars especially on the hot summer days.”
“This year Garlicfest adds 30 new vendors including six distilleries; we are really excited to see new and different vendors come out. I think one of the best strategies for us and why people continue to return is our dedication to keeping fan favorites year after year, while also bringing in new vendors that offer new experiences,”Lynch remarks.
Garlicfest hasn’t come without its bumps in the road. “Last year we had a transformer blowon Saturdayright at the height of lunch time (when all the food vendors need power).This left the whole field, every vendor, musicians, demonstrations, and volunteers without power for about an hour,” adds Harrington.“Apparently a rodent had crawled up into the transformer and that caused the power outage – only in Vermont!Both Hathaway Electric and Green Mountain Power were very responsive and we got it back up within the hour.Of courseon Sundaywe were met with a steady downpour of rain where our team had to dig trenches to direct the rainfall away from our 200 vendors. The team also went around with huge amounts of hay to soak up the field.What’s amazing is that through those challenges this team of volunteers, who have been showing up for decades now to help with this festival, didn’t flinch, they just got to work.I couldn’t think of a better example of southern Vermont work ethic, volunteerism and community pride.”
The event takes over 1,500 volunteer hours to put on.This year will have additional volunteers from the Vermont Storm and SVC athletics. “It takes a community and this community shows up!” Harrington noted.
Power outages and rain aside, this year’s Garlicfest shows no sign of slowing down or stopping.“Every year we get thousands of people coming through our gate from places like Texas, Alaska, Germany, China – its really humbling to think this is their first experience they have with Vermont and what a great experience they have at Garlicfest.”Lynch adds.
“I think what makes Garlicfest a continued success is its authenticity and long-standing commitment to have that farm-stand feel jumbled together with modern food and drink and an assortment of eclectic music,” Lynch remarks.“We’ve kept this event family-friendly, low-cost and a testimony to the Vermont brand of social responsibility, farmers, organic food and a quality of life.”
Gates open upon SaturdayandSundaymorning at10am.The cost for a one-day pass is only $6 online and $8 at the gate for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.A two-day pass is $10.Festival hours are10am-5pm.Profits of the event go back to the Chamber to help with their programming, regional marketing efforts, future events, operations and mission to create a healthy business and tourism climate for the entire region.
Camelot Village is located on Route 9 in Bennington, Vermont.
For aspiring gardeners, garlic growers, garlic lovers or those simply looking for a fun way to spend a late summer weekend, the event promises something for everyone.For more information visitwww.LoveGarlic.com
