Scorching Heat Doesn't Deter Crowds From The Annual Garlic Festival

The sweltering 102-degree heat couldn't keep garlic enthusiasts away from the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds this past weekend. The second annual Garlic Festival, a two-day celebration starting on Saturday, brought a flavorful fusion of Stockton's agriculture and entertainment scene to life.The “Cali Garlic Alley” proved to be a respite from the heat, offering shade and a myriad of garlic-inspired dishes. Attendees had the chance to savor everything from savory garlic fries topped with cheese and bacon to a unique maple brown sugar garlic ice cream.

San Francisco natives Alexis Farmen and Sam Bush visited the festival for the first time, drawn by their shared love for garlic. Bush said of the garlic ice cream, “It was very odd... but the more bites we took, the more and more we liked it.”

While some attendees munched on their garlic dishes, others sought shade by the community event stage, which hosted the Miss California Garlic Festival Scholarship Pageant & Princess Program and showcased local talent. Hot rods, muscle cars, and low-riders were on full display at the “Show and Shine Car Display,” and vendors dotted the fairgrounds, offering various items for sale.

Among the vendors was 15-year-old Mayla Marquez, who sold handmade waist beads. After being diagnosed with stage four cancer a year ago, bead designing became her passion project. “It's to make other people feel beautiful within themselves,” Michelle Marquez, Mayla's mother, shared. Mayla's bead creations, which range from $15 to $20, can be found on TikTok, the local Stockton mall, and regional festivals.

A multitude of other stands caught attendees' eyes: from face painting and clothing to charms for crocs shoes. Aleena, an eight-year-old from Sacramento, was seen enjoying a face paint session, her skin tinted blue, following her delightful experience with the garlic ice cream. Her parents found the festival's pricing reasonable for the attractions on offer.

Besides the culinary delights and vendors, the festival had interactive cooking demonstrations, monster truck rides, a photography exhibit, jumpers, and a splash zone, ensuring there was something for everyone. For more on this story visit The Stocktonia.