Garlic. The smell of stinking rose will tickle your nose as you travel south on Highlway 101 from San Jose to Gilroy. Located about 25 kilometers from San Jose, Gilroy is often described as the “Garlic Capital of the World.” And it comes as a surprise to many people when they discover that Gilroy is part of Santa Clara county, which is home to many Silicon Valley hi-tech companies. Agrictulture and farming was a big part of Santa Clara county before hi-tech companies made this “Valley of Heart’s Delight” their home. Gilroy located on the southern corner of Santa Clara county continues to preserve some of that agricultural tradition to this day.

Every year for 3 days the Gilroy Garlic Festival draws thousands of people to the event that celebrates garlic in many different forms from ice-cream to wine to fries and much more. The money collected from the festival is then distributed to various charities in the area.

What is in store for this year’s 37th Gilroy Garlic Festival,? How did Gilroy become the “Garlic Capital of the World?” We spoke with Brian Bowe, execuitve director of Gilroy Garlic Festival to find out. Tune in to find out what he has to say.

This year’s Gilroy Garlic Festival is from July 24-26, 2015. For tickets and information please visit here.