The House concurrent resolution No. R-149 commemorates the 30th anniversary of Garlic Town U.S.A., a festival celebrating garlic and its cultural significance. Originating in 1995 as the Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival in Wilmington, the event has grown significantly over the years, moving to Bennington in 2008 and expanding to attract 16,000 attendees by 2019. Recognized as one of the world's top garlic festivals, it was rebranded as Garlic Town U.S.A. following a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, and it is set to continue its legacy with a one-day celebration on August 30, 2025.
The upcoming festival will feature 130 vendors, including garlic growers and artisans, and will offer a vibrant downtown atmosphere with interactive children's activities and food trucks. Additionally, the event aims to implement a zero-waste initiative to minimize its environmental impact. The resolution acknowledges the hard work of the festival's organizers, supporters, and volunteers, particularly highlighting the contributions of current manager Mikaela Lewis. The General Assembly expresses its appreciation for Garlic Town U.S.A. as a celebration of flavor, community, and tradition, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.