Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: Historic Paseo creates a beautiful, convenient way to access downtown

Published in the May 17 – May 30, 2017 issue of Gilroy Life

The fabulous new Gilroy Historic Paseo is scheduled to be dedicated May 20, culminating several years’ effort by a multitude of Gilroy citizens who have worked hard to see the project to fruition. Mayor Roland Velasco will cut the ribbon dedicating the completed project which is located between 7451 and 7455 Monterey Street, running back to Gourmet Alley and the parking lots on Eigleberry.

The idea began years ago with former Mayor Al Pinheiro, to provide a way for shoppers to get from the parking lots to Monterey Street. First, an unreinforced masonry building had to be purchased by the city and demolished. Then there were the inevitable delays and construction problems in safeguarding the walls of adjoining buildings.
Fortunately, the unique black and white tile entry of the old shoe store was preserved and became part of the walkway in the Paseo.

Meanwhile Al and his committee went to work raising money for the art work. Whitney Pintello painted attractive background scenery on the walls. The Gilroy Foundation sold commemorative bricks to more than 200 supporters. Joan Buchanan and her committee brainstormed ways to present Gilroy’s history in the most attractive manner. A time line was developed, but in the end it was decided to erect seven large boards, each depicting a different topic.

Then the fun began locating high quality usable photos from Gilroy’s past. The Gilroy Museum played a big part in this, running original photos down the street to Articulate Solutions for reproductions. Landscape architect Karen Aitken and the graphic artists of Articulate Solutions contributed their talents to the arrangement of the photos and maps.

Finally, the completed art work was sent to a production firm. Custom framework and posts were created and the huge boards were installed by Greg Bozzo last December. Next the commemorative bricks were laid along the pathway edges, benches and plants were installed. The ribbon cutting will be both symbolic and celebratory as Gilroy citizens and visitors are already enjoying the artistic presentation of the city’s unique history. It’s another source of pride for the Gilroy community.

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This year’s Gilroy Garlic Festival promises to be a meat-eating extravaganza, as two separate contests will be held. Saturday, July 29, seasoned professionals will face off in the Gilroy Garli-Que BBQ Challenge, officially sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). Teams will compete for $7,500, trophies, and bragging rights — not to mention the coveted People’s Choice awards.

Each team will barbecue pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and brisket — plus an optional category just for the Gilroy competition, “Anything Goes with Garlic.” A panel of KCBS-certified judges will select winners for each of the five categories, who will be announced at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Great Garlic Cook-Off Stage. Festival guests can purchase tasting tickets to sample dishes and vote for their own “People’s Choice” award winner.

Sunday, July 30, will be the Gilroy Garli-Que Backyard BBQ Rib Challenge, open to amateur grillers and local residents who have never participated in a sanctioned professional BBQ event but want to show off their very best garlicky rib recipes.

The first-place winner will receive a $150 cash prize, with $100 going to second place and $50 to third place. Garlic is a required ingredient. Participants will be expected to provide their own meat, ingredients and grilling equipment. Festival guests can also purchase tasting tickets Sunday.

Teams interested in competing are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as a limited number of spaces are available. Official contest rules and online application forms are posted at gilroygarlicfestival.com.

Sounds like a mouth-watering time at this year’s festival, which will include the usual fare of garlicky goodies throughout the grounds. The 39th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival will be held July 28, 29, and 30, 2017, at Christmas Hill Park. Discount tickets are available online at www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.

See you at our great garlic festival — and don’t forget those breath mints!