gmhTODAY 14 gmhToday May June 2017 | Page 83

1. Morgan Hill Freedom Fest The theme for this year’s event is America’s National Parks — 100 Years And Counting. The event celebrates our nation’s independence with a fun- filled Fourth of July weekend of activities, which include: the Patriotic Sing, Family Street Dance, Freedom Run, Freedom Car Cruise and Show, and of course the Parade, the largest privately organized parade in Northern California, and the official Fourth of July Parade of Santa Clara County. The grand fi nale on Fourth of July evening, is the spectacular, Fireworks on the Green. morganhillfreedomfest.com. America’s National Parks Of Home 100 years and counting… 2. Gilroy Garlic Festival If you love garlic, cooking competitions, arts & crafts, wine tasting, and live entertainment, then the “Summer’s Ultimate Food Fair,” the Gilroy Garlic Festival, which takes place on, July 28-30, from 10 am to 7 pm, at Christmas Hill Park, is for you. The highlight of the event is Gourmet Alley, where the “Pyro Chefs” prepare their signature dishes, garlic-laced calamari and scampi, in huge iron skillets at a gigantic outdoor kitchen. It’s truly a sight to see, and a taste sensation. Other Festival favorites include pepper steak sandwiches, pasta con pesto, fried calamari, and sausage sandwiches. And don’t miss the famous, Gilroy garlic fries! gilroygarlicfestival.com. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN MAY/JUNE 2017 gmhtoday.com 83