Calling all foodies. The festival “that really stinks” is celebrating its eighth year on Sept. 6 and 7.
The Stratford Garlic Festival kicks off with an iron chef-style competition where participants must prepare a gourmet three-course meal in one hour.
Celebrity chef Darryl Fletcher (host of ChefDTV) will be at the festival to launch his new cookbook Garlic Madness and will demonstrate one of the recipes featured in it.
There will also be teaching tips and tricks to growing the best garlic crop and don’t forget the garlic braiding workshop. The cost is $40 and space is limited to six people so book now at info@stratfordgarlicfestival.com.
Roman Osadca will provide information on the nutraceutical properties, history, meaning and context of garlic.
The festival’s second day will feature the Black Box Competition, where mayor Dan Mathieson and Gary West will be paired up with Stratford Chef School students in a culinary duel to create a garlic-inspired appetizer in one hour.
The Ontario Garlic Market will feature locally grown garlic in nearly every variety. The market will also feature garlic gadgetry, preserves, sauces and dips, garlic-inspired crafts of all kinds, not to mention a diverse group of food vendors with fare ranging from garlic-bison sausage to garlic fudge.
Throughout both days visitors will enjoy a music line-up, showcasing many local artists.
The event is also a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis Club is a service club for local adults living with disabilities.
Stratford Kiwanians also raise funds to support significant international initiatives in partnership with UNICEF.
A silent auction will be held at the festival and also be available for bidding online at www.stratfordgarlicfestival.com/auction/.
The festival will be at the old Stratford fairgrounds, adjacent to the Rotary Complex. Parking is free at the Rotary Complex, with access off McCarthy Road.
