The Washington State Garlic Festival, once a backyard celebration held west of Chehalis, will make its grand return to the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds next weekend after a two-year pandemic-related break.
Tickets for the festival cost $5 for each day, Aug. 26, 27 and 28, or $10 for a three-day pass. The event runs from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
After changing hands between local families — founded by the Hamilton family, longtime Chehalis farmers and then run by the DeVaul family, owners of the East County Journal and other local publications — Washington’s smelliest festival was taken over by Lewis County in 2017 before being certified as a statewide event.
Before COVID-19, the event would draw around 15,000 visitors over a weekend.
It includes garlic snacks galore, such as garlic French fries, garlic ice cream, chocolate-covered garlic, garlic mac and cheese, garlic kettle corn and much more.
There are also many artisan craft vendors to pick through, selling garlic by the pill, in oils, in cheese and just about any other way one could imagine garlic being sold.
Including kids activities, demonstrations for growers and cooks, the event has family fun for all ages.
While a lineup has not yet been announced, most years include concerts on the Community Stage (formerly the Stage South) that are free to visit with the purchase of a festival ticket. Past performances have included mostly Americana and country artists, but have ranged from classic folk to swing, jazz and even some rock.
To learn more about the State Garlic Festival, call the Fair Office at 360-740-1495. The Southwest Washington Fairgrounds are located at 1909 S. Gold St., Centralia.
