25th Annual Andrew Garlic Festival a Rousing Success

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

October 11, 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the Andrew Garlic Festival. The signature event has grown in size and scope over the years and continues to generate excitement and inspiration throughout the small village, with people who attend from neighbouring communities as well as other municipalities throughout the region.

Initially, the Garlic Festival was jointly hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Ag Society and the Andrew Community Centre Association (ACCA). More recently, the Ag Society and ACCA have put on the large-scale event with only a handful of volunteers.

Andrew Ag Society President Carri Hrehorets says, “The main volunteers of our two groups are about 10, but of course, we round up extra people to help with set up, etc.” She adds, “It has become well known and well attended” especially over the last 15 years.

Reflecting on its success, Hrehorets says, “It is overwhelming to think that our little village can host a huge festival that brings in people for the day that is basically five times the population of our town.”

This year’s attendance reached 1,700 people; which is on par with most years. The festival boasts a wide variety of activities and points of interest for young and old. One of the popular staples of the festival is the Farmers’ Market, which is set up in the curling area of the facility. The Farmers’ Market featured 100 vendors this year, who were selling everything from sausage to perogies to preserves to artwork and so much more.  “We could’ve sold a lot more tables, but we keep it at that number so there’s lots of room as there is a family dance, entertainment and other activities in the main hall.   

There is so much to see and do throughout the day, starting with the Andrew Lions Club Potato Pancake Breakfast followed by a perogy dinner hosted by the Andrew Rainbow Club. Supper is a true Ukrainian inspired garlic feast with a family dance afterwards.

The afternoon parade is always a fun-filled spectacle, and this year was no different. Many people were stopping at the Andrew Museum afterwards for a tour. There were activities for the children outside and inside the ACCA throughout the day. The evening culminated in an impressive fireworks display.

Hrehorets says they are very proud of the fact they have made the event affordable for families to attend and enjoy their day to make it a great festival. Josh Bryks can attest to that. He grew up in the area, attended Andrew School and always attended the festival every year growing up, and has managed to return every year since. Bryks, who now has two children of his own, says, “The kids are enjoying it as much as I did!” One of his favourite memories is when the firefighters would spray them with water during the parade. “It was so cold!”