Garlic is so popular that there are festivals around the country where garlic lovers gather to buy it, talk about it and eat it. One of the oldest and most famous is in Gilroy, Calif., the last weekend in July.
You still have time to catch festivals in the mid-Atlantic region. The closest one is the Pocono Garlic Festival in Stroudsburg, Pa. (on Interstate 80 north of Allentown), Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Courthouse Square in the center of town. In addition to all the garlic products, dishes and events, there is live entertainment. For information call 610-381-3303 or 570-421-7235; Web site: www.poconogarlic.com.
The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival takes place Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cantine Field in Saugerties, N.Y. (on the Hudson River north of Kingston). This festival features food, products, music and chefs' demonstrations. For information call 845-246-3090; Web site: www.hvgf.org.
