North Union Farmers Market is proud to present the first annual Cleveland Garlic Festival at historic Shaker Square. This grassroots food and music urban festival will run September 11 and 12, 2010, 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, and 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. All proceeds will support North Union's mission of championing local foods by connecting certified producers with consumers through their network of seven markets.

Cleveland culinary luminaries are bringing their best garlic recipes along with a Grill Off Contest. Judges for the competition include The Plain Dealer's Food Editor, Joe Crea, noted author Michael Ruhlman, award- winning chef Karen Small and culinary educator, Stephanie Paganini. There's fun for the whole family with a Children's Grow Tent sponsored by the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Featured activities for kids age 3-12 will include a "grow your own allium" with a recycled pot to take home and a unique watermelon tasting. The Euclid Beach Rocket car will available for rides around the Shaker Square area.

Music will take center stage at the Festival with funk and jazz, NYC-based group, The Mike Clark Trio performing from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday night and the Chicago-based world jazz group, Garaj Mahal performing from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday night. Other musical entertainment during the two-day event includes The Del Rio Bandits (instrumental 60s surf rock), Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project, Mifune (afrobeat), Lounge Kitty (loads of great covers), Mo' Mojo (zydeco), and Carlos Jones and the P.L.U. S. band (reggae).

Admission to the event is $10.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages three to twelve, and kids under three are free. Tickets are for sale at all North Union Farmers Market locations or can be purchased by calling 216-751-7656 or visiting www.clevelandgarlicfestival.org. The event has already attracted lead sponsors which include The Cleveland Clinic, Euro Fine Wines, The Regional Transit Authority and The Coral Companies.

So mark your calendars and get out the breath mints-all things garlic arrive in Cleveland this fall.

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