By Dave Warner

Little Falls, NY – The 22nd annual Mohawk Valley Garlic & Herb Festival transformed Historic Canal Place into a fragrant, bustling celebration of local agriculture and community spirit on Saturday, September 13. With perfect weather, a record-breaking crowd of over 6,000 attendees, and a vibrant lineup of vendors, music, and activities, the event was hailed as a resounding success by organizers, vendors, and local businesses alike.

The festival, a non-profit agricultural showcase, brought together garlic growers, herb producers, food artisans, and craftspeople for a day of flavor and fun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The aroma of sizzling garlic dishes and fresh herbs filled the air, drawing foodies, families, and visitors from across New York State and beyond, including Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Julie Webster, festival organizer and co-founder, couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. “It was amazing,” she said. “Every vendor we talked to was thrilled, and the crowd was steady but not overwhelming. We changed the vendor setup this year to spread people out and avoid bottlenecks, and it worked beautifully.”

Webster also highlighted the invaluable contribution of volunteers from the Honor Society, who assisted with setup and teardown. “Those kids were a godsend,” she added. “Vendors couldn’t stop raving about how kind and helpful they were.”

The festival’s 80-plus vendors offered an array of heirloom garlic varieties, herb-infused products, and gourmet foods, from garlic fries to artisanal dips and freshly baked goods. Many reported record-breaking sales, with some selling out entirely.

Andy McEvoy of Paca Gardens praised the event’s organization and turnout. “It was a fantastic day,” he said. “The quality of vendors and people was top-notch, and folks were spending money, taking advantage of all the great products.”

Marica Belico of Nona Maria Pizza echoed the sentiment, noting that her business likely set a new sales record. “It was absolutely amazing,” she said. “The energy was incredible, and it’s so good for the city to have an event like this. We were so busy, and everyone was just happy to be here.”

Attendees enjoyed free horse and carriage rides along the scenic Erie Canal, courtesy of CNY Carriage Company, which were booked solid all day. Live music kept the atmosphere lively, with bands encouraging dancing and mingling among the crowds. Children’s activities, including herb-planting workshops and educational lectures on sustainable farming, added to the family-friendly vibe.

The festival’s success extended beyond the event itself, boosting local businesses in Canal Place. Mayor Deborah Kaufman emphasized its importance to the community. “This festival showcases what makes Little Falls special,” she said. “It brings thousands of visitors to our city, supports our farmers and artisans, and puts us on the map. The energy and pride here are unmatched.”

Shuttle services from designated parking areas ensured smooth access, and a suggested donation of $5 per person or $15 per family (with children under 12 free) supported local non-profits like the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, Pause 4 All Paws Animal Rescue, Inc., the Little Falls Rotary, and The Creative Outpost, Inc.

Webster already has her sights set on next year. “We’ve got a couple of ideas to make it even better,” she teased. “The community’s support—from volunteers to the Little Falls City Police and Fire Departments—makes this event magical every year.”

For more details about the festival, including vendor applications for 2026, visit https://mvghf.com.

The Mohawk Valley Garlic & Herb Festival once again proved why it’s a beloved tradition, leaving attendees full, happy, and just a little garlicky. As Webster put it, “Come hungry, leave happy—and maybe plant some garlic of your own!”