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Birds of prey are swooping in for the Richmond Garlic Festival

Photo Shutterstock Try garlic ice cream, black garlic popcorn and watch birds of prey flying demonstrations at the 10th annual Richmond Garlic Festival this weekend.

 Photo ShutterstockPhoto Shutterstock

Try garlic ice cream, black garlic popcorn and watch birds of prey flying demonstrations at the 10th annual Richmond Garlic Festival this weekend.

The Sharing Farm has partnered with the City of Richmond's Raptor Festival to feature aerial acrobatic shows from Pacific North West Raptors at the garlic fest for the first time.

Chefs from the Westin, River Rock, Hyatt, The Passionate Baker, Blue Heron Creamery, The Wooden Boat and Nomad Restaurant will be volunteering their time to make garlic-laced creations including chocolate chip cookies, scones, Vietnamese noodles, beef sliders and pork bannock.

Sarah Drewery, executive director of The Sharing Farm, says local garlic is always a popular item at farmer's markets and the stinking rose has universal appeal. "People really love garlic and it transcends so many different cultures. People from all over the world use garlic in their cuisine."

Drewery says they have partnered with BC Garlic and Maddock Ridge Farm to collect 1,000 pounds of locally-grown garlic that will be available for sale at the festival.

There will be 15 varieties onsite including Russian red, music, and purple Italian softneck.

Admission is by donation and proceeds will go to The Sharing Farm to help them continue growing fresh produce to help feed families in need through community meal programs and the Richmond Food Bank.

"Food banks often have canned or dried food -- not fresh produce. We're growing organic, high-quality produce for people that need it and don't normally have access to it," she says.

Sharing Farm beekeeper, Leslie Williams will be offering guided interactive tours of the farm and there will be workshops on how to grow your own garlic led by Samantha Philips from Victory Gardens along with live music and a kids play area.

Catch the Richmond Garlic Festival in Terra Nova Rural Park at 2771 Westminster Highway from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 19.