With State Resolution, Sustainability Milestone and Strong Community Impact
Vermont Business Magazine Garlic Town, USA celebrated its 30th anniversary over the Labor Day weekend with over 6,500 attendees, live music, 100+ curated vendors, chef demonstrations, and a landmark sustainability effort that reduced overall waste by more than half compared to last year.
The festival began with a special proclamation recognizing its 30-year legacy. Representative Mary Morrissey introduced and read the House of Representatives concurrent resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Garlic Town U.S.A.. The resolution was offered by Representatives Morrissey of Bennington, Cooper of Pownal, Corcoran of Bennington, Durfee of Shaftsbury, Greer of Bennington, and Nigro of Bennington, as well as offered by Senators Bongartz and Plunkett.
A portion of the resolution read, “Whereas, garlic is a vegetable that may be described as a stinking rose, but for 30 years, its strong and distinctive aroma has annually launched a grand festival, and Whereas, the origin of this combined agricultural, artistic, culinary, and musical extravaganza, which attracts attendees from near and far, dates from 1995, when a small farmers market, known as the Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival, was established in Wilmington, and Whereas, this homage to all things garlic rapidly expanded in popularity, and in 2008, the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, since rebranded as the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, brought the event to Bennington… now therefore be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives: That the General Assembly commemorates the 30th anniversary of Garlic Town U.S.A., a celebration of “flavor, community, and tradition.”
Morrissey presented a framed copy to the Chamber and organizers before the festival gates opened.
This year’s Garlic Town advanced its commitment to sustainability by working toward a ‘Near Zero Waste’ standard. In collaboration with the Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance and 45 members of the Compost Crew as well as more than 100 vendors, organizers required the use of BPI-certified compostable serviceware throughout the festival. The Compost Crew volunteers hand-sorted every piece of waste produced during the event at the five dedicated stations throughout the festival.
Out of 3,440 pounds of total waste, 2,500 pounds were composted and 460 pounds were recycled, leaving just 420 pounds sent to landfill, equivalent to only one ounce of waste per attendee. Overall, 88 percent of waste was diverted, reducing landfill contributions by 54 percent from the previous year.
In addition to its environmental focus, Garlic Town continues to play an important role in supporting the local economy. Organizers noted that many festival-goers visit Bennington for the first time during Garlic Town and return throughout the year, strengthening the town’s tourism base. Local businesses also reported a significant boost during the event. Several merchants shared that they were busy all day compared to a typical Saturday, with many seeing their largest crowds after 2 p.m. Event organizers welcomed the positive impact the festival had on downtown commerce and its role in drawing repeat visitors to Bennington.
“We are deeply grateful to the Town of Bennington and our many partners for welcoming us downtown, to our generous sponsors and tireless volunteers who make this possible, and to our incredible vendors and loyal festival-goers who return year after year,” said Matt Harrington, executive director of the Southwest Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “As we prepared for the 30th anniversary, we felt the weight of honoring that legacy while also finding fresh and unique ways to celebrate. This team rose to the challenge and, in my mind, now stands tall alongside those Chamber champions of past generations.”
Event Manager Mikaela Lewis added, “I could not be more honored to lead this beloved event and Southern Vermont tradition into its 30th year alongside an outstanding team of captains and volunteers who work tirelessly to help us make it all happen. This was my eighth year of leading the Garlic Fest planning, and it was truly my favorite and most memorable one yet. The weather, the attendance, the amount of smiles in the crowd, all were exceptional.”
The festival featured a dynamic lineup of live music, including Buck2Fifty, Julie Shea Band, like bunny, Start Again, and The Prescription, whose eight-piece ensemble closed the night with rhythm and blues, Motown hits, and big band swing. Demonstrations included a Graze Board Workshop and garlic ice cream presented by couch+cork.
This 30th anniversary event showcased more than 130 vendors from across New England, including both returning favorites and new participants. To recognize their commitment, vendors received special garlic bulb–shaped signs indicating the number of years they’ve vended with the festival (1+ years, 5+ years, 10+ years, 15+ years and 20+ years). Anniversary sponsors of 2025 were also honored with beautifully engraved maple cutting boards donated by JK Adams, highlighting their support of the Chamber’s most significant fundraising event of the year. Vendors consistently praise Garlic Town organizers for their efficiency, strong communication, and commitment to creating a seamless experience for both merchants and attendees.
Sponsorship support was provided by Presenting Sponsors Hoffman Car Wash and Union South; Music Stage Sponsor Coggins Auto Group; Bar Sponsor Hoffman Real Estate; Volunteer Sponsor The Bank of Bennington; Parking Sponsor Oliver Ford of Bennington; Demonstration Tent Sponsor couch+cork; Media Sponsors Vermont News & Media and Old Mill Road Media; and Production Sponsors Bennington Theater and Comprehensive Computing. Anniversary Sponsors included T-Mobile, Dartmouth Health Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Carolls Corp/Burger King, Power Guru, and JK Adams.
Local small business sponsors included M.J. Lewis & Daughters Construction, Wells Builders, A&K Agriservices, Centerline Architects, LeBlanc’s Auto Recycling, Jack Miller Contractors, Bennmont Marketing, Silver Therapeutics, Four Chimneys, Maple Leaf Realty, The Gamer’s Grotto, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, GVH Studio, and The Coffee Bar.
Festival volunteer captains overseeing logistics ranged from compost and transportation, to music and kids’ activities. The garlic team captains included Andre-Anne Chenaille, Analee Patel, Ahmad Yassir, Kathy Sollien, Art Whitman, Kaiya Kirk, Keith Carey, Nancy Koziol, Lilli West, Susan Plaisance, Gerry Hoyt, and Bill Clark. The Southwest Vermont Chamber staff, Mikaela Lewis, Matt Harrington, Luis Lascari, Erika Floriani, and Megan Albert, led planning efforts, with photography by Lorianna Weathers.
“After a full year of planning, meetings and preparations solely on our goal of becoming a zero waste event in the future, I think I can speak for all of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers that this year was exceptional,” said Compost Captain Kathy Sollien. “Not only in participation by our vendors, but in the positive feedback we received from attendees as well. There’s much left to do, but we are excited about next year being even better and more waste free.”
Garlic Town, USA will return for its 31st year Labor Day Weekend 2026.
Bennington. Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce SWVTChamber.com
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