It's the end of an era in Sudbury.
The annual Canadian Garlic Festival won't be happening this year, or possibly ever again.
This normally the time of year Linda Russell and other volunteers get set for the festival. A Sudbury tradition that had been going on for 25 years.
"Due to the aging volunteer base that we have, and with competition from a new event coming into town, we just feel as though we can't compete,” said Russell, Garlic Festival Coordinator.
That event is the first annual Sudbury Poutine Fest; a three day social taking place close to area of Garlic Fest.
Russell feels co-existing is not an option
"The other event is bringing in headliners from what we have been told,” she said.
“We are having children events and they are having children events. For us, though, we don't have a budget. We are doing everything on a volunteer basis"
One of those volunteers from the very beginning of the event is Roma Shewciw.
Like many others who have helped out in the past, she is heartbroken.
"It was a nice way to finish off the holidays with a nice big festival,” said Shewciw.
“There is not much we can do about it at this time, but it will be missed.”
Money raised from Garlic Gest, usually about $20,000, has gone towards the Ukrainian Seniors Centre.
To make up the difference, centre volunteers will be hosting a number of fundraisers throughout the year; including one on the original day of Garlic Fest; Sunday, August 27.
