It’s so much more than a vampire deterrent. Egyptian pharaohs kept garlic in their tombs to keep themselves healthy in the afterlife. Ancient Greek Olympians used it as a performance enhancer during games. Roman legions are said to have eaten it to give them courage in battle. In both world wars, Europeans used garlic juice as a disinfectant as well as a preventative measure against gangrene when penicillin was scarce.
Garlic has been praised by everyone from Homer to Aristotle, and modern scientists to Doctor Mom. It originated in the mountainous regions of Kazakhstan and Kurdistan over 6000 years ago. It was introduced to Stratford in the early 1950’s as an organic pesticide. The climate and soil conditions in Perth County are so rich with the nutrients required to grow the best quality garlic in the world, that its popularity soared. The heavy clay-based soil of Perth County provides for exceptional nutritional value and flavour, particularly in Ontario’s own Music Garlic.
The Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival (September 7th and 8th, 2024) was founded in 2007. At that time, it was an outdoor event held at the Stratford Fairgrounds. It moved indoors in 2016. The pandemic impacted the Festival’s operations, and more so the vendors. Some went out of business, some successfully pivoted. Today, the Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival boasts sixty varieties of garlic, but alas there are half as many garlic vendors as there were before the pandemic.
Bonnie Richardson, the Festival Chair, saw an opportunity. “We could open the door to a much more diverse variety of vendors.” Fifty-Two vendors will be attending the Garlic Festival and, according to Richardson, “One of the things we’re trying to promote is that maybe you don’t like garlic, but this is a festival where you can discover all different kinds of vendors.”
There are whisky-inspired treats from Aunt Beth Bakes, custom-made art pieces by JDV Metal Designs. Attendees can also visit the Nature Lions Inc. booth to learn how to grow mushrooms; shop for wardrobe additions at Taya; enjoy a tea-tasting at the Tea Leaves Tasting Bar; and there are meat providers like The Best Little Pork Shoppe, Stafford Brothers Meats Ltd and Blanbrook Bison Farm. Browse, eat, watch or participate in a variety of activities with lots to see and do.
Events during the Festival include a Wine Tastings and Pairings program on Saturday, September 7 and Chef Presentations on Sunday, September 8. The Stratford Public Library will also be there, providing activities for children on the Saturday. And, check out the Silent Auction!
One of the areas of intrigue is always the innovative recipes that vendors come up with, from the Black garlic infused cheese by Stonetown Artisan Cheese, or the garlic-flavoured ice cream by Simple Dreams. The Kiwanis Café will be serving delectable garlic sausages. There are also spices, wine, beer, spirits, honey, jams, peppers and pottery.
The Garlic Festival has truly become a showcase of artisanal producers. It is run entirely by volunteers, and all the proceeds go to support local community charitable programs like The Local Community Food Centre, The House of Blessing, The Christmas Basket Fund and projects like free concerts in Upper Queen’s Park and emergency funds for individuals and charitable organizations.
DMX once said, “Sex is good, but have you ever had garlic bread?” There are many perspectives on this bulbous flowering plant, but whether “stinking rose,” culinary staple or homeopathic agent, garlic, by any other name, will always be the “miracle clove.”
For tickets and more information, visit www.stratfordgarlicfestival.com
