Humble beginnings

The first South Cariboo Garlic Festival was held in August of 2000. It was held at Kariboo Farms, owned by Gail & Steve Szolosi in Forest Grove, BC and the response to this first effort was overwhelming. Literally thousands of people showed up to enjoy the 2 day grass-roots event! It was a great learning experience and from this, the Festival again was held each year in in the same location through 2005.
In 2006, the Festival moved to Centennial Park in 100 Mile House as it had simply outgrown its original location near Forest Grove. Attendance had climbed dramatically over the years and it was now a major annual event in the South Cariboo.

As the Festival grew, Gail knew that it would soon be time to look for an organization to take over the Festival. She understood that "new blood" would be necessary to carry the event forward into the future.
In early 2010, the Lac La Hache Community Club assumed responsibility for the Festival. Under the leadership of its new Director, Jeanette McCrea and her capable team of volunteers, the South Cariboo Garlic Festival is moving ahead in its permanent new home on Highway 97.