(FOX40.COM) –A 40-year-old garlic celebration is returning to its roots in Gilroy for the first time since a mass shooting prompted it to relocate, then later be cancelled.• Video Above: California Garlic Festival
In 2019, a 19-year-old gunman attacked the event, killing three people, including two children. 13 others were wounded before the shooter killed himself as police officers closed in. Subsequently, the Gilroy event moved to various locations.
Garlic Festival shooting victims: Two children and recent college graduate
Three years later, in 2022, officials said the Gilroy Garlic Festival was replaced by the California Garlic Festival at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds and Los Banos because of difficulties from the pandemic and financial restraints. Now, the Gilroy celebration is determined to make a triumphant comeback.
“Although we enjoyed a successful festival for three years, we believe it is better suited in Gilroy,” California Garlic Festival organizers said. “We are pleased to see that Gilroy has implemented the necessary adjustments to revive their event, returning to its home base.”
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The Gilroy Garlic Festival is scheduled to take place from July 25 to 27 at Gilroy Gardens. The 3-day celebration promises to be an exciting event that includes live music entertainment, vendors, and the world-famous Pyro Chefs firing up their giant skillets with garlic-laced scampi, calamari, garlic bread, garlic fries, garlic desserts, and more…