Local resident takes over as leader of summer fest
The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association once again has a leader
for the army of volunteers that put on the Gilroy Garlic Festival
each summertime. Brian Bowe, a general manager of N.P. Expos, Inc.
in Morgan Hill will take on the role of executive director of the
GFA March 6. The Gilroy resident was chosen after a months-long
search for a new director after Richard Nicholls, who served at the
helm of the festival for 20 years, died of cancer in June 2005.
Local resident takes over as leader of summer fest
The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association once again has a leader for the army of volunteers that put on the Gilroy Garlic Festival each summertime. Brian Bowe, a general manager of N.P. Expos, Inc. in Morgan Hill will take on the role of executive director of the GFA March 6. The Gilroy resident was chosen after a months-long search for a new director after Richard Nicholls, who served at the helm of the festival for 20 years, died of cancer in June 2005.
In his new position, Bowe will oversee an executive staff of three and will coordinate the efforts of more than 4,000 volunteers who help with the festival each year. A Southern California native, Bowe moved to Gilroy after he met his wife Kathy, who is a Gilroy native. He has fond memories of his work as a festival volunteer and looks to take it slow in implementing changes in the festival during his first year.
Bowe spoke with The Pinnacle about what makes him suited to be executive director of the GFA and shared his favorite memories of the summertime fest.
Q: You started as a production director at N.P. Expos in 1995 and became general manager in 2000. How has working with a company that produces consumer and trade shows prepared you to take over as executive director of the Garlic Festival Association?
A: Running a trade show production company has equipped me with so much relevant experience – everything from logistics, security and staffing to sales, marketing and sponsorships. The skills I’ve acquired producing hundreds of events will be invaluable in my new position. The thing that I’ve learned best is how to deal with the public, whether they are vendors, exhibitors or attendees. Listening is the key, along with knowing how to not take things personally.
Q: Do you have any other skills that will help you in managing the GFA?
A: I have a background in graphic arts and (information technology). I think that both of those skill sets will come in handy at the Garlic Festival. Whether I’m helping with marketing or web design, or just keeping computers running in the office, I’m sure that all of my work experience will be utilized at one time or another.
Q: What first brought you to the Gilroy area? What has kept you and your family in the region?
A: My wife is a lifelong resident of this area, and I can’t imagine a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I was raised in southern California, and though I love it down there, I really enjoy the slower pace here, as well as the wide-open spaces. From Gilroy, you can drive just a few minutes in almost any direction and really be out in the country. We should never take that for granted.
Q: What do you think will be your biggest challenge in taking over the position of executive director of GFA?
A: There are so many people and organizations that contribute to the success of the Garlic Festival. Each of them has relevant experience and great ideas about how to improve the event and keep it fresh and exciting. The challenge for me will be to assimilate as much of that information as possible and make decisions about what to include and which possible new paths to explore.
Q: Do you have any goals to change the festival during your first year as executive director?
A: The Garlic Festival has been successful for so many years that for me to step in my first year and try to make significant changes would be foolhardy. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.
Q: Are there any things you hope to improve about the festival?
A: One of the things that has been discussed is giving attendees the opportunity to purchase their admission tickets online, in advance of the event. This would hopefully make it easier and quicker for people to get in the gate. I can’t promise that this will definitely be up and running this year, but it is a goal.
Q: The money earned at the festival goes back to the community – to the Gilroy Foundation, high school sports, youth groups and other organizations. Do you have any plans to increase the revenues of the festival to help community groups?
A: Reinvesting the proceeds from the Garlic Festival back into the local community is really so much of what this event is about. I am very excited for the opportunity to work with an organization whose primary goal is just that. Of course I will do everything within my power to help control costs and increase revenue so that we can give back as much as possible. Nothing would please me more than to increase contributions each year.
Q: What was your first experience volunteering with the festival and in what capacity have you served as a volunteer at the festival through the years?
A: My first volunteer experience was selling balloons. I’ve also cashiered in the Mercantile, and for several years I’ve been a volunteer for the finance committee. The best part about being a Garlic Festival volunteer is the kinship with the other volunteers. You go a whole year without seeing some of these people, but at the Festival you pick right back up where you left off, like last year was just yesterday. These are special friendships that people form when they volunteer together at this outstanding event.
Q: What is your best memory of the summertime festival?
A: One of my fondest memories was just last year, standing at the end of Gourmet Alley with my 12-year-old son, Ethan. He and I watched the pyro-chefs for quite awhile. It’s one of the enduring images for which the Garlic Festival is famous, and no matter what your age, it is an awesome spectacle.
Q: What are your favorite and least favorite food items at the Garlic Festival?
A: Honestly I’ll eat just about anything, and I enjoy everything from Gourmet Alley. Since I’ve accepted this position everyone keeps asking me how I like the garlic ice cream. Unfortunately I have to answer that I’ve never tried it. So one of my priorities at this year’s Garlic Festival will be to get in line and taste the garlic ice cream. I sure hope it’s good!
