<p>ÒGarlic Basket,Ó by Bonnie Lou Cozby, will be in a series of cards at the PAA both during the Northwest Garlic Festival, among other examples of garlic-themed art and crafts. Submitted photo</p>

OCEAN PARK, Wash. Over the past 31 years, and for one full weekend each June, theres something different in the air surrounding the beach and bayside town of Ocean Park. Instead of the usual fresh ocean breeze, a stinking rose rules the air as people flock to celebrate the delicious, aromatic and undeniably wonderful Allium sativum (common garlic) at the annual Northwest Garlic Festival.

Although the festival has been produced by the Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce (OPACC) for years now, it started as a smaller celebration by chefs Jimella Lucas and Nanci Main, then owners of the world famous Ark Restaurant in Nahcotta, Wash. From that early beginning the festival has grown to its present size, but happily, both Lucas and Main are still participating through their current Klipsan Beach, Wash. restaurant, Jimella and Nancis Market Café, and garlic aficionados will be able to savor still their (surprisingly) delicious garlic ice cream.

The festival is a two-day love affair with everything garlic. Opening Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and running through Sunday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there is plenty of time to sample the various ways garlic can be made into oils, sauces, dips, dressings and delectable food. Local restaurant favorites such as Ole Bobs Seafood, El Compadre, Marsalees Thai Food and the Shelburne Inn share the festivals restaurant row with several other regional eateries. A newcomer to the fun, Michelle Edwards of Ocean Park, will be offering Fudge Puppies, chocolate-dipped Belgian waffles on a stick, and Lori Pettys Food Buggy creates not only mouth-watering garlic Philly cheesesteaks, but also garlic chocolate chip cookies.

The move to more local and regional food pairs well with the decision to feature more handcrafted and artisan created merchandise. Tents hold everything from pottery, plants and handmade soap and candles to glass artwork, jewelry, haberdashery, fabric art and attire. A group of artists from Peninsula Arts Association will share two tents filled with original art, jewelry, photography, art cards and even a spinning demonstration Saturday morning. Giclee prints of Garlics Conversation, by Eric Wiegardt (who was recently awarded the prestigious American Watercolor Societys Gold Medal of Honor), will be available in the PAA tents, as will the limited edition prints of this years Northwest Garlic Festival poster.

The festival grounds are located in the open fields of the Beach Barons Car Club, just south of Bay Avenue (and north of 250th Street) on Sandridge Road on the bay side of town. The location offers plenty of parking and room to move about while listening to almost non-stop live music. The North Coast Blues band brings a mix of standards and blues, Double J and the Boys are always a favorite and the local Ilwaco High School Jazz Band brings big band and swing to the party.

After crossing the bridge into the festival site, a stop at the OPACC tent is a must. Visitors can pick up their Garlic Walk card here. After having it stamped by participating vendors, the card can be brought back and deposited into a hopper to be included in a series of drawings for several gift baskets donated by local businesses and festival participants. All this fun and the admission is free of charge.

For more information about the 31st annual Northwest Garlic Festival or the Ocean Park area, visit www.opwa.com or call (360) 665-4448.