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New National Garlic Festival in May will celebrate the county where 80% of California garlic is grown.

Todd Fitchette, Associate Editor

March 18, 2022

1 Min Read
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Fresno County produced about 178,000 tons of garlic in 2020, or roughly 80% of the state's garlic crop. The vegetable crop will be highlighted at the first-ever National Garlic Festival at the Fresno Fairgrounds May 13-15.Todd Fitchette

As the chief producer of garlic in the United States, Fresno hopes to highlight its "garlic capital" status with an all-new festival this spring at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds called the National Garlic Festival and Food Expo.

Peter DeYoung, chief executive of National Food Festivals, Inc., is touting the new festival, slated for May 13-15. The family event intends to give festival attendees a taste of more than 300 garlic inspired foods from over 80 restaurants. Live demonstrations with nationally recognized chefs will also highlight the various culinary uses of the crop.

Live musical performances, a car show, carnival rides and nightly fireworks shows will also be featured during the event.

"We are thrilled and excited with the wonderful support we've seen from the city and county," DeYoung said.

Nearly 80% of the garlic grown in California comes from Fresno County. In 2020, Fresno County farmers harvested 178,000 tons of garlic from over 24,000 acres of land. The crop that year was valued at over $396 million, making it the sixth largest crop by gross receipts in Fresno County, according to the county's annual crop and livestock report.

Along with highlighting the various consumer uses for garlic, an agricultural showcase of how garlic is grown, harvested, and processed in Fresno County is also planned for the event.

The National Garlic Festival is unrelated to the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

Visit the National Garlic Festival online for ticket information and participant opportunities.

About the Author(s)

Todd Fitchette

Associate Editor, Western Farm Press

Todd Fitchette, associate editor with Western Farm Press, spent much of his journalism career covering agriculture in California and the western United States. Aside from reporting about issues related to farm production, environmental regulations and legislative matters, he has extensive experience covering the dairy industry, western water issues and politics. His journalistic experience includes local daily and weekly newspapers, where he was recognized early in his career as an award-winning news photographer.

Fitchette is US Army veteran and a graduate of California State University, Chico. 

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