Gilroy Garlic Festival Kicks Off Its 35th Year

(CBS SF) - Gilroy's Garlic Festival is celebrating its 35th year this weekend with a pungent lineup of entertainment, arts, drinks and garlicky food.

The festival, billed as the "Ultimate Summer Food Fair," opened at 10 a.m. today and includes a children's area, live music and art and cooking competitions.

Eight finalists will compete on Saturday for a $5,000 top prize in the Great Garlic Cook-Off, the festival's headline event, according to festival officials.

The cook-off starts at 10 a.m. and contestants have two hours to prepare and serve their dishes to a panel of five judges.

Miss Gilroy Garlic Olivia Echeverria, who was named as the new garlic queen in May, will preside over the festival.

The festival runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy. Tickets are $17 for adults and $8 for children 6-12.

For more information call (408) 842-1625 or go to gilroygarlicfestival.com.

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