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.