Long Island’s one and only Garlic Festival returns for a 15th year on Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16.
The two day festival, which pays homage to the wonders of “Garliciana,” features garlic inspired foods, contests, Long Island wine, local and organic agriculture, a craft marketplace, farm tours, family activities, and, of course, plenty of garlic for eating and planting.
“We are excited to celebrate our 15th Year of Garlic! Can you believe it?” Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht, Organizer and Founder of the 15th Annual Long Island Garlic Festival, reflected. “We’ll have the best garlic food vendors ever, including tons of locally made and organic products. Garlic pickles, garlic jerky, even Garlic Ice Cream!”
This year the Garlic Festival will fittingly introduce the inaugural Stinky Breath Competition. Sponsored by Fat Ass Fudge, the winner will be awarded an impressive supply of locally made, delicious fudge.
The Junior Garlic Iron Chef will be held at 1 p.m. on both days. Competitors (children ages 10 to 18-years-old) will have 30 minutes to create the best garlic sauce.
There will be a Garlic Eating Contest held both days at 3 p.m. Winners who peel and eat the most will receive $100 cash.
“The competition for the Garlic Eating Contest will be fierce, as well as the kids who will contend the Garlic Iron Chef Contest, and we may even have a Garlic Cannon!” added Kaplan-Walbrecht.
As always, a large marketplace will boast a wide array of garlic based products for sale – including garlic jelly, garlic cookies and other unique and irresistible offerings.
There will also be cooking demonstrations throughout the whole weekend, as well a hayrides, pony rides, farm tours, a pedal cart track, a children’s play area and petting zoo.
Live music will be provided by the Long Island Bluegrass Quartet, Free Grass Union, the Red River Ramblers, Buddy Merriam & the Backroads and more.
The Festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine.
Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market is located at 4558 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. For more information, visit, gardenofevefarm.com.