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The Gilroy Garlic Festival is more than just a local event. It pumps millions to charities
By Scottie Andrew and Saeed Ahmed, CNN
Updated 9:49 AM ET, Mon July 29, 2019
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Sunday's shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival marked a devastating final day for the beloved event, which has raised millions for local charities.
(CNN) The Gilroy Garlic Festival is more than just a weekend of concerts and cooking demonstrations. It's a beloved Northern California institution that has raised millions for local nonprofits.
The culinary festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year to the small city of Gilroy, which calls itself the "garlic capital of the world," according to organizers.
READ: At least 3 dead in California garlic festival shooting
Established to celebrate garlicky foods and the tight-knit Gilroy community, the event has raised more than $11.7 million for local charities since 1979, organizers said. In 2018, organizers donated more than $255,000 to 170 different groups, including churches and school sports teams.
Gerry Foisy wears a hat adorned with garlic cloves at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 2014.
This year -- its 41st -- the festival featured celebrity chefs Tom Colicchio of "Top Chef" and Gerron Hurt of "MasterChef," as well as a headline performance from Colbie Caillat and her band, Gone West.
Esperanza Pineda, center left, and Jennifer Smith, center right, sell locally-grown garlic at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 2004.
On the final day,