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A Salute to the “Stinking Rose”

At the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival

Today, Pat Reppert is revered as the honorary “Garlic Goddess,” but in 1989, she was just a woman with a plan.  To promote her business – Shale Hill Farm and Herb Gardens – she invited a small group of people to the first Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. The celebration of harvest time included music, dance, arts and crafts, and of course, plenty of garlic. Today, it is one of the most celebrated food festivals in the United States, honoring tasty recipes, healthy herbs and smelly breath.

The 2005 Hudson Valley Garlic Festival takes place Sept. 24 -25 at Cantine Field in Saugerties, New York.

Reppert’s first Garlic Festival involved about 100 people and took place on the Shale Hill Farm. After just three years, however, the event exploded. More than 1,500 people phoned Reppert for one of just 200 tickets to the 1991 festival. No longer able to manage the burgeoning event herself, Reppert turned it over to the local Kiwanis Club. They expanded to a two-day event and moved to a larger location in Saugerties. Last year, nearly 50,000 garlic fans attended the September event.

As attendance grew so did the selection of garlic products. In addition to more traditional garlic bread and pretzels, more avant-garde products include: garlic-flavored cotton candy, fudge, soap, tea, coffee and ice cream (a crowd favorite). Garlic demonstrations feature nearly 50 types of the herb and Garlic inspired arts and crafts are also popular.

Dubbed the official “Garlic Goddess” in 1997, Reppert continues to play an active role in the festival, and is still promoting garlic. She has converted her business into an Herb and Garlic Learning Center, teaching cooking classes and lecturing on the health benefits of garlic and other herbs. But every September, you’ll find her donned in garlic garb. The Garlic Goddess is still rooted in the festival she began.

2005 Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (September 24-25)

The 17th Annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival promises another year of unique harvest time fun. Entertainment ranges from performances by local bands like No Brakes Bluegrass Band to professional chef demonstrations and a children’s activity area. Shoppers and art lovers will delight in the wide variety of artisans and vendors, offering items from aprons to wreaths and almost everything in between. Of course, visitors will again be able to sample foods at the Garlic Marketplace and Food Alley, tasting the best garlic has to offer. For details on this year’s events, visit: www.hvgf.org/schedule.asp.

Hudson Valley Garlic Festival Facts

• Festival proceeds benefit local charities, including student scholarships.

• The 2005 festival will feature over 80 arts and crafts vendors

• Continuous live entertainment is planned for five stages

• Saugerties is 100 miles north of New York City and 50 miles south of Albany.

• Tickets cost $7 per person at the gate. Discounted tickets are available for $5 at www.hvgf.org. Children under 12 are free.

Edited by Erika Wright

Credit for all photos: Hudson Valley Garlic Festival

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