Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival - Bethlehem, Connecticut

Michelle M.

Many vendors to purchase food items from. The garlic monkey bread 😋. There are a few rides for the kids to enjoy, a bit overpriced, so we skipped it. A nice variety of food trucks to choose from. The parking is good if it didn't rain, otherwise it's a muddy mess! In the past, I've seen all sorts of vehicles stuck in the mud, plan your trip accordingly.

Tre L.

Foods were delicious, many vendors offered samples which was very kind of them. Loved that most foods were fresh and had short wait time. Will be back for next year.

marilyn D.

The weather was awful but the Garlic fest was AWESOME!! We had so much FUN. The vendors, the food and the people were fun, knowledgeable, kind and helpful. Kudos to the people of Bethlehem....lots of hard work but well done. Hope we can return in the future but a 1500 mile trip won't happen every year.

Valerie D.

Such a fun local fair! Focused on agriculture and crafts, with some really fun food options. Enjoyed fried pickles, garlic sliders and pad thai. Pulled pork looked amazing but didn't have time to try. There was a whole pig roasting on the grill too! Lots of fresh garlic for sale all around the fair, local honey, spices, homemade soaps and wooden spoons and cutting boards, and other hand crafted items. Vendors were very friendly! Fair runs from 10 am - 5 pm and you still have time to visit one of the local vineyards afterwards ( Bethlehem or Haight Brown ). Worth the trip!

Edgar M.

Nice place event to enjoy with the family, food trucks, vendors selling all types of goods, especially homemade condiments. With some carnival rides for the kids.

Sue L.

Go early, it gets crowded. Great array of food related products to buy. Something for everyone. The Cannoli truck is the best!

Julieta E.

Rained out on Saturday and Sunday was good. When the ground is saturated from rain, the ground crews should start early and keep bringing in hay all day to make the walk around less difficult e(especially with strollers, toddlers and senior citizens). Also, they had a tractor aiding drivers stuck in the mud (a lot of cars!!!) But one tractor wasn't sufficient. It's understood that there are limitations when heavy weather hits, but there was sufficient advance notice of impending rain to alert the event organizers that they should staff up.
The selection and variety of vendors was very good.

Christian P.

In evaluating the parking logistics at the Garlic Festival, it is evident that the situation can be aptly characterized as a logistical disaster and, candidly, a safety violation. The unfortunate circumstances unfolded with an extensive backlog of traffic, resulting in an exasperating wait of over two hours to gain entry, further exacerbated by the deplorable condition of the parking lot, which closely resembled a muddy marsh.

One cannot help but question the absence of designated traffic attendants, crossing guards, or law enforcement personnel on-site to facilitate the smooth flow of vehicles on the adjacent roads leading to the festival grounds. Regrettably, the lack of these critical personnel led to several vehicular accidents, emblematic of a gross mismanagement of the traffic infrastructure necessary to accommodate the sheer volume of festival-goers.

It is imperative to emphasize that the vendors, who contribute significantly to the success of the festival, deserve a higher degree of coordination and meticulous planning in this regard. The essence of their participation hinges on the accessibility and convenience provided to attendees, and it is evident that this year's festival fell drastically short in fulfilling that obligation.

Considering the substantial entrance fee of $40 for a family of four, there is a reasonable expectation that parking logistics should be diligently managed. In this context, the inclusion of parking attendants and the presence of local law enforcement officers would have been instrumental in mitigating the issues faced by festival attendees. This investment in professional guidance not only ensures the safety of patrons but also reflects positively on the festival's reputation and commitment to delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

In conclusion, it is imperative that the Garlic Festival organizers reevaluate their parking and traffic management strategies to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The safety and satisfaction of festival-goers, as well as the success of the vendors, are contingent upon such improvements in logistics and planning.