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Garlic, Music and Labor Day Family Fun at the Pocono Garlic Festival

Shawnee on Delaware is a can't miss destination in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountain region. The town has everything you’ll need for a dream getaway, from outdoor adventures to community festivals.

 

The town is a hub for outdoor activities and a prime location for hiking and biking. You’ll encounter numerous scenic trails that wind through the wooded wilderness at locations like Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Golf is another great way to experience the picturesque outdoor beauty of the area. The town is home to multiple courses that offer a challenge for all golfers including Water Gap Country Club and Glen Brook Golf Club. If you're looking to step up your outdoor experience, the area has some great outfitters that can help. Whether your ideal adventure includes kayaking, ziplining, or anything in between, outfitters like True North Farm Outdoor Activities and Edge of the Woods Outfitters have you covered.

 

The Pocono Garlic Festival is ramping up for another great event at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. The scenic vistas of the ski area provide the perfect environment for the festival and it's conveniently located in Shawnee on Delaware. Perfect for the entire family, this is one of the biggest garlic celebrations you’ll find in the region. The festival’s activities range from magicians and jugglers to eating contests and wildlife exhibits. Food vendors will be serving up a variety of garlic inspired treats like garlic ice cream and garlic laced pulled pork. To top it all off, skilled bands and musicians from the region will be performing for all to enjoy. Make the most of your next Pocono adventure and head to the Pocono Garlic Festival. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Sharon Rothman, Festival Communications Manager, to talk about this fun event.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

SR: Our festival is celebrating its 22nd year. It began in 1994 with four local farmers in the back of a church parking lot and has grown into a major two-day event.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

SR: Our two-day event is a Labor Day must. We have over 60 vendors and the festival draws over 10,000 visitors annually.

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?

SR: The Pocono Garlic Festival is a stinkin’ good time for all. We see a lot of families, couples and groups of friends in attendance. The age range stretches from babies to senior citizens.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

SR: We have the local Hardneck Garlic, which is only found here in the northeast. For true garlic consumers, it is a smaller bulb compared to other varieties and packs a powerful punch that true foodies recognize.

 

RAL: Walk me through some of the activities attendees will encounter.

SR: Attendees will encounter garlic galore with an assortment of live local musicians, dancing, dining, and garlic eating contests. The festival is centered around family fun and will include magicians, jugglers, a petting zoo, educational seminars, live local wildlife exhibits, local artisans with live demonstrations, and more.

 

RAL: What dining options will people find?

SR: This is a food and farm venue. We have dining galore incorporated with fresh local produce and products for sale. Just follow your nose to the stinkiest festival here on the East Coast!

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

SR: This is an outdoor event with several large tented areas for shade and tables for our guests. Attendees can also cool off inside the air conditioned ski lodges located along the beautiful Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

SR: Visitors love the vast array of accommodations in beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania. You’ll find camping, B&B’s, motor lodges, cabins, and high end resorts. Please see our web page for a list of local area accommodations.

 

RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?

SR: Currently we have discounted online ticket sales for individuals and groups of 15 or more, all they need to do is visit shawneeskimt.com or poconogarlic.com

 

RAL: What does the event mean to the community?

SR: The event showcases local farmers who make a point of hiring regional vendors and entertainers to support our local economy.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)

SR: Each year proceeds from the direct water sales are collected and donated to the local chapter of the Salvation Army. For the past five years the Pocono Garlic Festival has helped support AWSOM, a local no kill animal shelter. This year the festival is letting a local Boy Scout group sell lemonade.

  

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

SR: For a stinkin' good time! Anyone who is looking to have a great Labor Day weekend must come to our festival. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for all!


For more information about the Poconos Garlic Festival, please visit their website.