“The Best ‘Stinkin’ Party in South Florida” is not letting COVID-19 ruin its annual community celebration of garlicky food, art and entertainment. South Florida Garlic Fest organizers are moving forward with a move to Wellington.
“People are eager for live entertainment and something that feels normal,” Executive Director Nancy Stewart-Franczak said. “It’s a lot of work to reschedule and plan a socially distanced event, but we’ve always been ready and willing to make necessary changes to keep our attendees safe throughout the years.”
The international award-winning two-day festival will take place Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7 at Wellington Green Park (2175 Wellington Green Drive) for its 22nd annual celebration. The festival will showcase its world-renowned Gourmet Alley, full beer and liquor bars, children’s amusement rides, live music and more than 180 exhibitors selling art, products and homemade goods.
Extensive plans have been put in place to adhere to CDC and social distancing guidelines, including, but not limited to: mandatory mask enforcement while inside festival premises, limiting the number of attendees inside the festival at one time, 10-by-10 “pods” drawn on the lawn at the main stage with six-foot aisles, allowing everyone to easily maintain social distancing with 4 to 6 guests permitted per pod, increased sanitation procedures at all touch points, temperature checks and multiple handwashing stations.
Of course, what would Garlic Fest be without mouth-watering garlicky goodies. Attendees can get their garlic fill at Gourmet Alley featuring more than 100 garlic-infused menu items. Give your taste buds a shock from garlic ice cream to the signature dish, flaming garlic shrimp scampi.
In addition to great food, Garlic Fest has brought national and international performers to grace the festival stages for the past 21 years. This year, Garlic Fest will showcase local bands and musicians who have been scrounging for gigs since the pandemic began, in addition to the national tribute acts booked.
On Saturday, attendees can listen to the reggae, ska and punk rock sounds of Badfish, a tribute to Sublime, and sing along with rock and alternative classics by Red NOT Chili Peppers, a Red-Hot Chili Peppers tribute band.
In addition to these great acts, local artists from all over Florida will perform both days of the festival. The full entertainment lineup can be found at www.garlicfestfl.com.
Originally founded by a group of local folks looking to establish a fundraising source for local nonprofit organizations, the 22-year-old event continues to employ volunteer organizations to staff the event, raising more than $670,000 to date for many local causes.
Garlic heads, get ready to regale, rejoice, refresh and renew (six feet apart) at the 22nd annual South Florida Garlic Fest, being held this year in Wellington. For tickets and more information, visit www.garlicfestfl.com.
