Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-22

CELEBRATING THE CHRISTOPHER FAMILY AND THE GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL

Immigration

Context

On 2026-07-22, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE CHRISTOPHER FAMILY AND THE GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL" in the House.

Full Text

CELEBRATING THE CHRISTOPHER FAMILY AND THE GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E725-E726] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE CHRISTOPHER FAMILY AND THE GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL ______ HON. ZOE LOFGREN of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a beloved annual tradition in Santa Clara County dating back to 1979. Drawing thousands of visitors from across the country, this three-day festival has raised millions of dollars for local schools and charities. With everything from garlic fries to garlic ice cream, the Gilroy Garlic Festival reminds people every year why Gilroy is the Garlic Capital of the World. In fact, over half of America's garlic is now grown around Gilroy and 90 percent of the country's garlic harvest is processed here. This cherished event is thanks in large part to the Christopher Family, who made the long journey from Denmark to America in the 1890s. After hearing tale of the Santa Clara Valley's dark, fertile soil and Mediterranean climate, they knew this land would be where they would settle. In 1979, Donald Christopher co-founded the Gilroy Garlic Festival, with an estimated 15,000 people showing up to the two-day event, about triple the number they expected. By the 1980s, there were more than 100,000 ticket buyers. Today, the legacy of Don Christopher is carried on by his family, including his son, Bill, and grandsons, Ken and Jason. Thanks to their hard work, the Gilroy Garlic Festival remains a critical part of Gilroy's identity and a moment that families look forward to year after year. The festival also could not take place without the help of thousands of volunteers. We thank them for their help, and we honor the Christopher family for their long service to our community. [[Page E726]] ____________________

View original source →

CELEBRATING THE CHRISTOPHER FAMILY AND THE GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E725-E726] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE CHRISTOPHER FAMILY AND THE GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL ______ HON. ZOE LOFGREN of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a beloved annual tradition in Santa Clara County dating back to 1979. Drawing thousands of visitors from across the country, this three-day festival has raised millions of dollars for local schools and charities. With everything from garlic fries to garlic ice cream, the Gilroy Garlic Festival reminds people every year why Gilroy is the Garlic Capital of the World. In fact, over half of America's garlic is now grown around Gilroy and 90 percent of the country's garlic harvest is processed here. This cherished event is thanks in large part to the Christopher Family, who made the long journey from Denmark to America in the 1890s. After hearing tale of the Santa Clara Valley's dark, fertile soil and Mediterranean climate, they knew this land would be where they would settle. In 1979, Donald Christopher co-founded the Gilroy Garlic Festival, with an estimated 15,000 people showing up to the two-day event, about triple the number they expected. By the 1980s, there were more than 100,000 ticket buyers. Today, the legacy of Don Christopher is carried on by his family, including his son, Bill, and grandsons, Ken and Jason. Thanks to their hard work, the Gilroy Garlic Festival remains a critical part of Gilroy's identity and a moment that families look forward to year after year. The festival also could not take place without the help of thousands of volunteers. We thank them for their help, and we honor the Christopher family for their long service to our community. [[Page E726]] ____________________