Little Falls Hosting Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival

Little Falls, NY (WIBX) - While most people tend to shy away from the pungent smell of garlic, the City of Little Falls is embracing it, as it prepares to host its 11th annual Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival.

Juli Webster, chairperson for the festival, says the event started as a small local gathering in 2001, with a potluck-style feel.

"It was started by a small group of farmers at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, as an opportunity to show their wares and raise awareness," Webster said. "[They wanted to] do it in conjunction with a garlic growing day, so it was made to be very educational, agricultural and a whole lot of fun at the same time."

This Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., people can visit the Canal Place for food, music and fun, all while celebrating the popular herb.

Webster says visitors are guaranteed a good time.

"It really is a huge deal," Webster said. "It's thousands of people; I think last year's count was about 3,000 people, and it is just a day of good stinkin' fun! It's family friendly, it's just fun and we're right here on the water."

Other events include the popular Garlic Queen Pageant, a Moss Island Tour led by John Stehnach, and live music provided by The Rusty Doves and Common Thread.

The cost to attend is $3 per person or $10 per family, but Webster says every dollar raised finds a home in the community.

"One third of our donation dollars go to the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts to keep them, as a nonprofit, in business," Webster said. "The other two thirds get rolled over to pay for next year's party, and we use every dime."

For more information, visit the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival's website here.