The Laurel Highlands' first annual Garlic Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 and 22, at Faranda's Farm, which Mary and Philip Faranda run near the Somerset County coal patch of Holsopple, about an hour and a half east of Pittsburgh.

They invite folks to "come and have a 'stinkin' good time."

They promise lots of garlic, prepared by guest chefs, and lots of food, plus live entertainment, hay rides and games from noon to 7 p.m. both days; admission is $3, or $5 per couple, and $1 for children ages 2 to 12 (1-814-479-7109 or farandafarm.net).

Another first Garlic Festival is being held Sept. 11-12 at Cleveland's North Union Farmers Market (northunionfarmersmarket.org or 1-216-751-7656).

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden's annual ode to garlic is in its sixth year: The Red, Ripe & Roasted: Tomato & Garlic Festival is held on the front lawn and in the Outdoor Garden at this Oakland landmark from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 29. There'll be a farmers' market, chef demonstrations and tastings, a garlic roasting -- even an appearance by the PG's "Backyard Gardener" Doug Oster, who will sign copies of his book, "Tomatoes Garlic Basil" and make a recipe from it. Admission to the fest and Conservatory is free if you bring a bag of produce to donate to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (phipps.conservatory.org).

There also should be garlic at the Rachel Carson Homestead's Sustainable Feast, also Aug. 29; more on that event next week.

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