Editor's Note: The 34th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival is just over a week away and Gilroy Patch can't wait to savor the flavor creations featuring everyone's favorite allium sativum, a.k.a garlic, plus experience the music and entertainment set to be served up this year.
Over the upcoming days, we'll be previewing events, food and must-knows about the event, going down July 27 through 29 at .
Locals looking to make it to the 34th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival may want to consider heading to the grounds Friday, July 27 to take advantage of "locals day," a day dedicated to giving a discount to those living in the 95020 and neighboring areas.
Adult general admission tickets, which normally sell for $17 at the gate, are being knocked down $5 for locals only for up to two tickets.
"Locals" include residents of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin, Hollister, San Juan Bautista and Aromas who present a valid photo ID.
According to Brian Bowe, executive director of the festival, residents of the Garlic City and its neighbors have been getting the one-day discount for the last few years.
"Friday seems to be the most popular day for locals to come to the festival because people know it's less crowded," Bowe said.
Tickets purchased at Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods and online are not subject to the discount, said Peter Ciccarelli, media relations coordinator for the festival, though these tickets are already reduced by $2.
Active duty members of the military with a valid photo ID are also getting $2 chipped off the general admission ticket price, something new for the festival, according to Hugh Davis, president of the festival.
Here's a breakdown of ticket prices:
- Adult general admission: $17 at the gate
- Adult general admission, locals with valid photo ID July 27 only: $12 for up to two tickets
- Adult general admission, pre-sale at Raley's, Nob Hill Foods and online: $15
- Adult general admission, active duty military with valid photo ID: $15
- Seniors (ages 60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $8
- Children under 6: Free
While locals are getting a discount for a day, some feel it's not enough for the noise, traffic congestion and general inconvenience caused by thousands of people coming to Gilroy over a three-day period. Take our to voice your opinion on whether a $17 general admission ticket is too high and if locals should receive more than a single day discount.
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