EASTON, Pa. — Easton’s most aromatic celebration will return to the city this weekend with a headlining performer heralded as a key member of Latino music royalty.
Everyone’s favorite flavorful bulb will be the center of attention at Garlic Fest this weekend, but with a performance by percussionist Tito Puente Jr., the tasty-but-pungent perennial may have to step to the side this time.
This year’s Garlic Fest will feature more than 130 vendors, an expanded Little Stinkers’ Row, plenty of odorous cooking competitions, and yes, the sweet sounds of Puente, the proverbial Prince of Latin Music.
The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6, rain or shine.
Some spicy tunes at Garlic Fest
Before you sink into the stink, you can catch a whiff of live tunes at South 3rd and Pine Streets’ Main Stage, and North 3rd and Spring Garden Streets’ Sizzlin’ HOT Latin Music Stage, which will feature Hispanic and Latino food vendors and live music and a DJ.
Headliner Tito Puente Jr., son of the legendary Latin Jazz performer Tito Puente, is scheduled to appear at 4 p.m. Saturday.
From his roots honoring his father’s impact on the world of music to preserving his vision of dance-oriented mambo and Latin Jazz across casinos, Puente performs in arts centers, symphony halls and jazz festivals worldwide.
Beyond his roots, Puente has pursued his own signature sound combining the old and new, ushering in a new era of Tropical and Latin Jazz.
His latest album, 2022’s “The King and I,” celebrates the love of Afro Cuban music he shared with his father while delving into something exciting and new for fans.
Celebrate the bulb
Looking for some fresh garlic? Maybe a few bulbs of Music, German White, German Red, Inchellium Red, Turkish, or Roots Buckeye Red?
It certainly couldn't hurt to stock up in anticipation of all those vampires come Halloween.
Apple Ridge Farm, Brown Dog Farm, Creekside Garlic Farm, Family Roots Farm, Tall Oak Farm and Valley Fall Farm have plenty to go around, including fresh, local picks and several special varieties, as well.
Or perhaps you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick to nosh on while you peruse the place.
In that case, there are dozens of local eateries offering specialty takes, such as The Flying V’s honey garlic pulled pork poutine, Billy’s Downtown Diner’s smoky garlic bacon potato corn chowder, Pretzel Revolution’s spicy garlic chicken stuffed pretzel and more.
Some bacon treats also will be available, including Sweet Girlz Bakery’s garlic and mini garlic cupcakes for those looking to explore your sweet, savory and stinky side.
If you want to pick up something to take home, check out the offerings at Awesome Bakery, Christmas City Spirits by Tavern at the Sun Inn, Habby Fruit Hot Sauces, Kallie’s Kouzina, Lee’s Homemade, Rainbow Concoctions LLC and other vendors.
For those true believers, there also will be plenty of options for garlic-themed merchandise, including garlic soap at NuVGN Soaps and Body Works, ceramic garlic and cheese grating plates and bowls at I See Spain and, of course, official Easton Garlic Fest sweats and tee-shirts at the Information and Merchandise Booth.
Competitive cookouts
For those interested in seeing who is the best with the bulb in the competitive culinary world, stop off at the Stinkin’ Culinary Stage in Centre Square for four cookoff events spread over two days.
Saturday’s challenge starts with the Chef’s Choice Cookoff at 1 p.m. when Stoke Coal Fire Pizza and Bar’s Executive Chef Abe Lopez will go garlic head-to-garlic head against Sette Luna’s Chef Adan Campos in a competition with each chef bringing their signature dishes to the table.
At 3 p.m., the Mystery Basket Cook-off will pit 3rd & Ferry Fish Market Head Chef Marbin Castro against The Shelby Executive Chef Christian Gonzalez in a match using a basket of locally sourced mystery ingredients.
Sunday’s 1 p.m. "3 Mayors Cook-Off" will see Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. paired with Campos, Hellertown Mayor David J. Heintzelman and The Springfield Inn’s Bobbi Gianguzzi, and Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. and Rapaen Cuisine creator and founder Wilson Patino all competing in the quintessential municipal garlic mashup.
Rounding out the competitions is a second Mystery Back Cook-off at 3 p.m., featuring Pop’s Kitchen’s Chef Harrison Lemus facing off against Fountain View at Logan Square Dining Services Director Esteban Morales in a “garlic smackdown” with new mystery ingredients.
Little Stinkers’ Row
If you’re looking for something to keep those baby bulbs busy, Little Stinkers’ Row is situated at the 200 block of Northampton Street.
Children can enjoy the moon bounce, an inflatable obstacle course, games of chance, sand art and face painting. Starting at 11 a.m., little ones can sign up to participate in the Culinary Kids Cooking Contest, which begins at 2 p.m.
New features at the Little Stinkers’ Row this year include a pirate ship with Captain Jack Sparrow offering free Pirate Training Shows at 11 a.m. and 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Kids also can pick up free shimmer hair at the Holls ‘N’ Bare booth and visit an agility course from Lehigh Valley Parkour Academy.
For more details, go to the Easton Garlic Fest website.
