Pageant Contestants Answer: What Should People Know About Gilroy?

Browse through the contestant's photos to learn their answers to the question: "What should people know about Gilroy?"

After two months of preparation, only a few last-chance practices stand between the seven candidates for this year’s Miss Gilroy Garlic and the 33rd-annual pageant at e this Saturday.

“We’re preparing them now,” said Sheena Link, Garlic Festival Queen in 2006 and now co-chairwoman for the Garlic Festival Queen Pageant.

Thousands of dollars in scholarship money are on the line, including the $1,000 top prize, a new annual scholarship from Christopher Ranch and several smaller awards from different organizations in Gilroy, Link said.

Perhaps even more significant is the chance to become the face of Gilroy for one year, including an invitation to represent the town at the annual garlic and beef festival in the Japanese sister city of Takko-Machi.

While only one girl will be crowned queen, the remaining contestants will become part of her court and have a continuing role in city events, said Link.

Girls from ages 18-24 who live in Gilroy or the surrounding cities are eligible to compete, Link said.

A five-person panel will judge the contestants on a variety of criteria. The largest single contributor is an interview, but judges will also consider a “garlic speech,” talent, evening gown and impromptu on-stage question, said Link.

The event will be at the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10.