There’s something special about the joy of small-town summertime festivals, and the Garlic Festival near Long Beach, Washington is no exception. It’s one of many fun annual events in Pacific County, but if you’re a garlic lover, there’s nothing quite like it! From roasted garlic to whipped garlic, garlic fries, and even garlic flavored ice cream: it’s the place to be if you think it “Sheek to Reek.”
Yummy Food
Festival Food
Garlic is a favorite of foodies everywhere, but there are plenty of other things to eat at the Garlic Festival as well. I particularly enjoyed the many free samples. It seems like every vendor had something delicious for me to taste. There was garlic flavored jerky, sugar coated nuts, locally made candies, and all kinds of festival food. I enjoyed a perfectly grilled panini while my friends stuffed their faces with a decadent swiss burger and fries.
Cool Products
Summertime festivals are always fun for shopping. I bought a variety of cool artisan crafts, including naturally made soaps from my friends at Harmony Soapworks, some handcrafted jewelry, and a bunch of other stuff I didn’t need but had to have. My friend bought a new knife for her son’s birthday and a fresh huckleberry pie and other goodies for Father’s Day treats for her husband. It’s always nice to chat with the small business owners and support local companies. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
Awesome Music
The Seymour Baker Band
The Garlic Festival features a fantastic blend of live music in a variety of styles. We were there on Sunday and enjoyed the fine talent of the Seymour Baker Band. The band features the exceptional gifts of Mark Seymour on acoustic guitar and vocals and Rex Baker on bass guitar. The bluesy beat of the drums, along with the soulful sounds of the guitar, mixed with the cool breeze blowing in off the port of Willapa Bay, and made the day feel magical. Kids of all ages happily danced and bopped along to the spectacular tunes.
New Friends
Making New Friends at the Garlic Festival
Perhaps the best thing about the Garlic Festival is the opportunity to chat with your neighbors, tourists, vendors, visitors, and new friends. Just a smile or friendly gesture is all it takes to strike up a conversation. Before long you’re engrossed in friendly conversation about local hikes, places to eat, and other things to do in the area. When you’re feeling the festival groove, anything is possible, especially when you have an open heart and open mind.
The Garlic Festival is definitely worth the drive from any other town in the region. Heck, you might as well stay for the weekend and make a fun trip out of it. While on the Long Beach Peninsula you’ll also enjoy the sandy beaches, cute towns, and all kinds of fabulous recreation. From fishing to hiking, and amazing local restaurants, there is no shortage of fun things to do and see on the Long Beach Peninsula. So, put the Garlic Festival on your list of things to do next summer.