From Sorrento to Salt Spring Island, garlic farmers from all over B.C. gravitated to Lions Park near Pender Harbour last weekend to enjoy music, crafts and gourmet events in honour of the so-called stinking rose, garlic.
The second annual Pender Harbour Garlic Fest-ival offered garlic braids, garlic dips, garlic ice cream, chocolate-coated cloves and something called brutally garlicky pesto from West Sechelt Farms that radiated its characteristic aroma at 20 paces.
While kids enjoyed the Bouncy Castle and hay wagon rides, about 10 adults participated in a drumming circle that generated its own rhythmic energy.
Local and guest musicians kept the music going non-stop on Saturday and Sunday. The audience gathered on Saturday afternoon to hear headliner Valdy. The veteran folk singer, along with drummer Jim McGillivray, kept the audience engaged with old hits such as Play Me a Rock and Roll Song and some newer pieces including one he wrote for the New Beachcombers filmed in Roberts Creek. Now 65, Valdy incorporated senior moment jokes into his act with the easy ability of a consummate entertainer.
About 1,700 visitors stopped by over the two days to enjoy the fun, said Pender Harbour Lions Club president Neale Smith who credits his wife, Nicky, with the idea for the club's fundraising event.
Nicky's dad is a garlic grower in the Kootenays, and that area has held similar successful festivals.
The Lions, who organized this festival, were helped by other volunteers from the Rotary Club and Coast Guard Auxiliary. All funds raised from admission, vendor fees and donated silent auction items netted approximately $6,000 to $7,000 for the Lions Club, and the money goes towards various charities including bursaries, community organizations and funds for those in need.
The third annual festival will be bigger and better, Smith said.
"We're trying to make old-fashioned family fun here like the summer fairs we used to enjoy," he said.
See www.penderharbourgarlicfestival.ca for more.
