Sat 8/27 @ noon-9PM
Sun 8/28 @ noon-6PM
Don’t be taken by surprise and miss it: the North Union Farmers Market’s annual Garlic Fest at Shaker Square is earlier this year. So start thinking NOW about the garlic you want to plant for next year (you DO remember that garlic is planted in the fall, right?)
The core attraction is indeed the farmers selling a large variety of garlic for planting, each with their own distinctive qualities. The number 2 attraction is the food — much of it made with garlic, of course, including the famous garlic ice cream from Mitchell’s (normal flavors available for those who don’t want to take THAT particular plunge). There’s craft beer to wash it all down.
Special attractions include the Top Chef grill-offs in four categories: grass-fed beef (and garlic), free-range chicken (and garlic), pasture-raised pork (and garlic) and vegetarian — with garlic. The judging panels include last year’s winners. There’s also local entertainment, ranging from zydeco to belly dancers, the Mighty Locavores kids’ area and the Ohio Cheese Guild Tent. Will there be a garlic cheese? Chances are pretty good!
Admission is $9 each day, $5 for seniors over 65 and kids 4-12.