The world-famous Gilroy Garlic Festival, a much-loved annual event that has been a mainstay since the late 1970s, is not moving ahead with a festival this summer nor for the foreseeable future, according to festival organizers.
Citing lingering uncertainties from the pandemic, along with “prohibitive insurance requirements” by the City of Gilroy, the festival’s board of directors announced Thursday evening that it has decided not to move ahead with a festival for 2022 — and the foreseeable future.
“Obviously, we are left frustrated and disappointed,” according to a board statement. “Our world-renowned festival has helped showcase Gilroy and the South County for 42 years while raising millions of dollars for local charities. The festival is part of our heritage. Now we must ensure that it is part of our future. While it will never be the massive event of the past, a more intimate, local festival can still allow us to celebrate the community, garlic and all it inspires.”
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This year, the board plans to have the following events spread throughout the year, including its second annual golf tournament June 24; a concert with KRTY Radio at Clos LaChance Winery July 13; and a Farm to Table Dinner this fall.
The festival was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and it was a drive-thru event last year.
In 2019, a mass shooting occurred at the festival, killing three people and injuring 17 others. The gunman killed himself after a shoot-out with police officers.