Bill > HCR125

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 30-year history of Garlic Town U.S.A., a unique festival that began in 1995 as a small farmers market in Wilmington, Vermont, and later expanded to Bennington. The resolution highlights the festival's remarkable growth from a local event to a nationally recognized celebration, attracting 16,000 attendees and being named one of the world's top 10 garlic festivals by 2019. After a brief pandemic pause, the festival was rebranded and plans to return in 2025 with an ambitious vision, including 130 vendors, interactive children's activities, food trucks, and a commitment to a zero-waste initiative. The resolution specifically recognizes the festival's evolution, its importance to the local community, and the dedicated efforts of its organizers, particularly festival chair Lindy Lynch and current manager Mikaela Lewis. By passing this resolution, the Vermont General Assembly officially commemorates the festival's 30-year legacy of celebrating garlic, local agriculture, and community spirit, and directs the Secretary of State to send an official copy of the resolution to the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.C.R.125