In 10 days, the Garlic Festival grounds (formerly the old music festival grounds) in Lac la Hache will be simmering with the aroma of garlic, in all its forms.
This year's festival, set for Aug. 27-28, has 67 vendors for everyone to enjoy, which is up from the 41 last year, says organizer Jeanette McCrea.
"There is camping available on the grounds for vendors only, they'll be setting up Friday evening. The water softener should be installed next week, so they will have potable water to use."
The finalists for the Garlic Chef Cook-Off have been chosen, McCrea says, thanking everyone for their mouth-watering entries.
The finalists are Mike Klyne of Lac la Hache with a Quarter-Pounder Deluxe Garlic Seafood Chowder; Sylke Oschatz-Junge of 108 Mile Ranch with a Garlic Onion Cake; and Lynn Hanson of Williams Lake with her Roasted Garlic Chicken.
The Cook-Off takes place on Aug. 28 at 1 p.m., in front of the Lac la Hache historical building. The 2011 Cook-off judges, including Tom Bachynski, Leon Chretien, Jan Cochran, and Heidi Read, will be sampling and judging the entries around 2 p.m.
Prizes for this event are first, $1,000; second, $500; and third, $250. The first-place winner will also become the 2011 Master Garlic Chef, with a permanent spot in the Hall of Fame, posted on the Garlic Festival's website.
There will be many food vendors at the festival, says McCrea, offering waffles, pastries, gourmet coffee, lemonade, mini donuts, popcorn, burgers, peanut brittle, schnitzel on a bun, garlic beef on a bun, and more.
"The Lac la Hache Historical Society will be serving breakfast and lunch, too. They are raising funds to go towards the restoration of the historical Felker Homestead site."
Both days have entertainment acts and events scheduled from morning until afternoon. It will take place on the Rotary stage, right next to the new picnic area.
The festival grounds will have all types of crafts and arts, including greeting cards, fine-turned wooden bowls, wildlife photography, jewelry, pottery, fashion scarves, hand-crafted glass, beeswax candles, sweet syrups.
Besides the entertainment, there will be things for children to do, including face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon art, and novelty items.
"No dogs are allowed on the grounds. If people must bring their pets, there will be a shady area in the parking lot and the are welcome to walk their pets in that area," says McCrea.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's so exciting. I am looking forward to this year's event."
For more information visit the website at www.garlicfestival.ca.