This year was lucky 13 for the family-friendly Garlic Fest. More than ever, the emphasis on sustainable agriculture, garlic and environmental responsibility resonated with the crowds of visitors.
The Garlic Fest supports the Sharing Farm's mission of cultivating nutritious, sustainably grown produce for community members in need. In 2023, 26,825 pounds of food was donated.
The produce grown within the Sharing Farm is donated to the Richmond Food Bank, the Musqueam Nation, the Richmond Family Place, community meal programs and faith-based food initiatives, as well as directly to food-insecure families.
Over 530 volunteers and a dedicated small core of part-time staff make all of this possible.
The Garlic Fest attracts about 6,000 people each year. Festival highlights included the popular live birds-of-prey flying demonstrations, a celebrated children's area with face painting, an extensive farmers market, gourmet food trucks with garlic specials and live entertainment. Garlic ice cream drew many people with adventurous taste buds.
An excellent garden tour helped visitors understand the intensive work that goes into The Sharing Farm.
As well, the festival offered educational talks and workshops on garlic cultivation and sustainable agriculture — and natural dyeing techniques by Musqueam artist Rita Point Kompst.
All of the money raised by admission/donation goes directly to the Sharing Farm to support their work.
More information on The Sharing Farm and its activities can be found at https://www.sharingfarm.ca.
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