2021 Gilroy Garlic Festival: A message from Tom Cline, president of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association board

Garlic Festival had a lot of support from people in the South Valley to keep the annual tradition alive.

Festival-goers film a flame-up at the Gourmet Alley Drive-thru event. Photo courtesy Gilroy Garlic Festival

A message from Tom Cline, president of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association board

Gilroy Garlic Festival Association President Tom Cline lights the giant garlic bulb flame to kick off this year’s festival with the traditional ceremony. Photo courtesy Gilroy Garlic Festival

Last July, we posted yard signs throughout Gilroy stating that “we miss you, and we look forward to 2021.” Over the course of the next twelve months, our board of directors, past President’s and many of our association members worked hard and diligent to come up with a plan for 2021. And through all the challenges and changes, we pulled off a successful Gourmet Alley Drive Thru, Farm to Table Dinner and a Golf Tournament at Gilroy Golf Course.

As president, I would like to thank my team, Lizz, Greg, Shawn, Jeff, Trevor, Brad, Janet, Cindy, and Mike for their commitment and support to get this done. All the committee chairs and assistant chairs that jumped in and helped to make it happen. The many volunteers from the schools, the community groups, our Pyro Chefs and Sportsman Chefs. So many gave to make these events so successful, and I am truly grateful for that.

Our sponsors and friends that gave their resources to make everything work. All those who supported the events by buying the food in Gourmet Alley, the tickets for the Farm to Table, and the Golf Event. We could not have been successful without all of you.

For the past forty two years, the mission of the Gilroy Garlic Festival has been the celebration of Garlic and to support our non-profits and charities in the community. This summer, we were able to celebrate Garlic. And it is our goal to get back and support all our partners in the future.