While more than 100,000 people are expected to descend on Gilroy
for the 27th annual Garlic Festival this weekend, Morgan Hill
residents may only make up a small portion of those numbers.
While more than 100,000 people are expected to descend on Gilroy for the 27th annual Garlic Festival this weekend, Morgan Hill residents may only make up a small portion of those numbers.
Citing the heat and crowds, some residents will opt to stay away from Gilroy’s festivities, which began Friday.
Some people say there’s nothing new to see.
“If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all,” said Chris Coller, who said he would, instead, visit the San Martin Blues Festival.
Cindy McDonald said all she is going to do is drop her son at the festival, then go home. Her son is volunteering for the Morgan Hill Police Explorers.
“I’m just not that interested in paying $12 again,” McDonald said.
Roni Castillo said while she is not interested in battling the heat and people, there are others in the area who absolutely love the Garlic Festival.
“People plan their summer around the festival,” Castillo said. “It’s like a county fair, it’s the same kind of feel. The festival is an annual event that everyone looks forward to.”
Being so close to Gilroy, residents said they feel a connection to the Garlic Festival.
“It is definitely centered around Gilroy, but it is a South Valley thing,” said Dan Kuwatani. “It’s a cool thing we have here that a lot of people come down to and visit.”
Organizers expect around 120,000 people to visit the festival, many of whom will use Morgan Hill roads. Those who spoke with the Times were mixed about the traffic woes. While some said they were annoyed, others said the traffic doesn’t affect them.
“It is not that big of a deal,” said Tuyen Fiack. “I don’t go anywhere anyway.”
Cheeto Barrera is an intern with the Morgan Hill Times. He can be reached at cb******@mo*************.com.
