DRUMS — The smell of garlic was in the air on Saturday, making hundreds of area residents crave the … um … fragrant vegetable in a myriad of food items. Fortunately for those taken by the aroma, the cause of and solution to their cravings could be found at the same event — the 17th annual Zanolini Nursery & Country Shop Hot and Stinky Garlic & Herb Festival. The festival celebrated all things garlic, including garlic brownies, garlic ice cream and garlic fudge. Other food items, including sandwiches and sides dishes, were complemented by a generous addition of vegetable bulb, whether sprinkled on top or sauteed in garlic-laden butter. The two-day festival also catered to those with a bit of a competitive spirit, with a pepper-eating competition held on Saturday and a garlic-eating competition scheduled for Sunday. Many of the more than 40 vendors had peppermint-flavored mints on hand in order to make palatable the breath of those leaving the event. Still most attendees said the flavor of the garlic and the spirit of the event made any residual smell worth it. The festival was originally started in order to assist state garlic farmers, providing them with an opportunity to sell their product and showcasing it in various forms and recipes. Paula Willis, owner of the nursery, said the event was a great opportunity for families to come out and spend an end-of-summer afternoon relaxing and enjoying the best offerings of area vendors. Stanley McFarland was a local vendor providing information about his waterproofing business.