Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
South Florida Garlic Fest heads for Wellington
The South Florida Garlic Festival is keeping it funky in 2021 despite a little pandemic drama.
Organizers are holding the two-day festival at Wellington Green Park on March 6-7. The city park was part of a back-up plan after Palm Beach County in December denied the outdoor festival a permit due to the growing
number of COVID-19 cases. The festival’s original date in February was postponed, but organizers say the new Wellington location will be as safe as possible.
“We have spent the past six months working on changes to ensure the safety of our attendees, staff, volunteers and participants. The site permits us to accommodate the same number of vendors while social distancing, but we will not be having the large carnival rides that we typically do as it would be impossible to sanitize all touch points, however our Kids Zone will have rides and activities that are for a younger demographic,” said Nancy Stewart-Franczak, executive director of the South Florida Garlic Fest.
Live music and a Gourmet Alley with more than 100 garlic infused menu items will be alongside full beer and liquor bars. Capacity, however, will be controlled at the international award-winning festival this year along with other COVID-19 safety measures.
“Our sanitation procedures have been enhanced, additional seating areas provided, cues for lines that maintain 6 feet distance and 10 by 10 pods drawn on the lawn at our main stage,” Stewart-Franczak said about the changes.
She says the event will provide support to numerous non-profit organizations and volunteers, as it has in the past. “They have been a part of our garlic family for over 20 years and we are so happy to be able to continue the support of these amazing groups,” said Stewart-Franczak.