A Celebration with Deep Roots: The Story of the North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival
What began as a humble community gathering during North Plains Days has grown into a celebrated tradition. The North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival was officially born in 1998, inspired by a local farmer whose garlic fields symbolized the agricultural heritage of the region. It became a way to honor the growers who shaped the rich farmland surrounding the North Plains community.
From its early years under the guidance of the North Plains Chamber of Commerce, the festival thrived. In 2012, a dedicated group of longtime festival organizers formed the North Plains Events Association and took the reins, bringing fresh energy, expanded programming, and new ideas. With each passing year, the festival has grown in scope, spirit, and recognition.
As the event grew in popularity, it was suggested by a local farmer that the festival adopt the elephant garlic theme. Thus in 1997 the North Plains Elephant Garlic was born. The purpose of the festival is to be an outstanding free local community event, with art and great music.
Over the years our parade has grown larger. More floats, more music and even a Garlic Queen and King. It still remains a small town event, as children line the streets ready to receive lots of free candy and garlic cloves. Children still dress up, ride bikes, march with the scouts, and wave from floats made with straw bales and bunting.
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- Photo of Garlic Queen from OregonLive
Today, the North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival is not only a beloved local tradition but an award-winning event. In 2010, it was named the 10th Best Elephant Garlic Festival in the World, and in 2024, it earned the prestigious Ovation Award from the Oregon Festivals and Events Association.
– Where Friends Meet: Music, food and fun. What could be better?
– Where the Community Meets: Under the stars of the evening sky, the community members either sit upon hay bales or pull up a chair, and take time out from their busy lives for 3 days in August. Friday and Saturday nights attract large crowds for premier entertainment. Past performers have included: Jon Koonce, Tom Mann, Jennifer Lynn, Norman Sylvester, Flexor T, Rodeo Rose and Concrete Cowboys.
What started as a tribute to garlic has blossomed into a weekend full of food, fun, music, and community—rooted in tradition and growing with pride.