This past Labor Day weekend, Bennington held its 23rd Annual Garlic Festival. There were about 200 different vendors that had products such as garlic ice cream, maple cotton candy, garlic jam, salsa, olive oils, jewelry, and other unique products. They also had food and beverage vendors that were a hit with everyone. People traveled near and far to attend; friends and families gathered around with smiles on their faces, enjoying the many offerings at the festival. If you were able to attend it this year, I’m sure you already know how great it was.

There were many vendors offering delicious samples for everyone to try in hopes that you would fall in love with their products. One vendor was offering samples of their homemade garlic pickles, that I personally loved! After trying a sample, I bought a pickle for myself. One of my other favorites is The Olive Table vendor that offered samples of their homemade olive oil with bread for dipping; flavors ranged from extra virgin to blood orange. I overheard some customers saying that they love to eat the blood orange olive oil over vanilla ice cream! Not all of the vendors were just food products, though; one of the best non-food vendors is Pleasant Valley Soaps. This year, I got to test their lavender hand and body scrub, which you can find pictures of in the above slide show. The guy showed me step-by-step how I would use the scrub on my hands; after using it, my hands felt very smooth and smelled amazing too!

It was a beautiful day to be out supporting our local event this year at the Garlic Festival; I saw people of all ages, even newborn babies! It was great to see thousands show up to an event that so many people took their time to plan. There is something for everyone’s interests at the annual Garlic Festival. I hope that people continue to see how great this festival is and take the time to come. No one ever leaves disappointed!

Photo credits: Mayan Zungy

One of my favorite items to buy at the festival each year is the pesto! With a very rich and bold flavor, it can be used in multiple different ways. It is best with pasta, or mixed with olive oil to dip bread in.