Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Garlic Festival

Garlic is fun stuff, and good for you too, they say. A friend of mine is co-organizing a festival devoted to it in the Quebec riverside town of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Read about it here: http://steannegarlicfestival.wordpress.com

My connection is that I drew the bulb which made it on the festival T-Shirt:

Another friend said it looked like a bum, and now I have trouble seeing it any other way. Drat.

Anyhow, here’s the press release for the festival, and assorted other material:

For Immediate Release:
Quebec’s Premiere Garlic Festival Gears Up for 6th Edition August 18

Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC: It’s Garlic Harvest time, and that means the annual celebration SATURDAY AUG. 18th (over 1000 attendees last year) at the Ste-Anne’s Farmers Market is devoted to tasting, shopping, and learning about garlic. This year there are some new things added to the roster designed as a destination for the foodie, the curious and the whole family.

NEW this year, a free outdoor film screening of the folk cult documentary, Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers, by Les Blank, at Co-Op Grand Orme, 20h00.

Returning this year – THE GREAT GARLIC DESSERT CHALLENGE.
All cooks are challenged to share their BEST GARLIC DESSERT. Last year’s winner, Montrealer Janice Benthin, took her Triple Garlic Cheesecake recipe to the top at the Gilroy Garlic International Festival, July 28, 2012. She was one of 8 finalists chosen from 200 entries around North America. Submissions should be received by 10 am Saturday August 18th. A panel of 3 judges will determine a winner based on criteria including its “GARLICOCITY”.

Returning this year – The GARLIC GROWERS’ COMPETITION.
Open to ALL growers, the contest will showcase garlic specimens in 2 classes: single bulbs & braids. Think you know what a perfect garlic bulb looks like? Submissions should also be received before 10 am Saturday August 20th. Prizes available for both contests. Contest details can be found on the website.

FOR SALE: Garlicky foodstuffs at the 40+ vendors’ tables. Amongst others, BBQ Garlic Sausages; Bruschettas, Garlic Pestos; Goat Cheese with Garlic; Roasted Garlic Empanadas from Madame Taco…

LOCAL FARMERS will be selling varieties of their certified organic garlic bulbs and/or garlic braids for eating and planting. Taste it to believe it.

GARLIC ‘TALKS’ from local garlic experts, back by popular demand!

Daniel Brisebois, the event organizer says:« This garlic festival has become the destination for garlic lovers in the region. I never get tired of talking about garlic and in the 5 years we’ve been holding this event, more and more folks come out There is always something new to learn. People are never disappointed”.

The Ste-Anne farmer’s market is dedicated to local, ecological food and agriculture. All artisans and producers come from the region and many are certified organic. The market is at the waterfront, at the intersection of Ste. Anne and St. Pierre Streets.

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http://steannegarlicfestival.wordpress.com