Diehard collectors will be crestfallen to hear that Herbie, the beloved bobbleheaded Garlic Festival mascot, won't make it to this year's festival.
The collectible doll that's donned a snappy tuxedo, chef's whites and racing gear in past years couldn't make the costly overseas voyage from China this year, said Gilroy Garlic Festival President Kirsten Carr. The doll's $13 price tag in past years would have shot up to between $20 to $25 this year due to manufacturing cost hikes and even though the festival's proceeds to go various local charities, the festival's staff and board did not think it appropriate to pass the added cost on to consumers. The board will consider bringing the bobblehead back for anniversary years, Carr said.
"Every few years, I think people wouldn't mind spending a little more on an anniversary or commemorative Herbie," Carr said. "I think people will be understandably disappointed. But now they really are collectors items. I think people will appreciate why we chose not to have Herbie this year."
Capitalizing on the affordability of the Garlic Festival - admission is $12 and parking is free - the festival's board didn't want to gouge attendees by doubling the doll's price tag, Carr said.
"We're advertising all over the place that we're keeping our prices the same," she said. "We've only raised them once in the last eight years or so."
However, eBay users proved time and again that they'll pay exorbitant prices for the pint-sized figurine. The festival's 2004 rendition of the doll, sporting casual jeans and a T-shirt, was receiving bids of about $100 as of Wednesday.
Although Michelle Garcia, an avid Herbie collector whose seven figurines still remain in their original boxes as not to collect dust, said $100 or even $25 might be a little too much to pay for the iconic character, she is sad to say goodbye - even if the separation if only temporary.
"I was a little bummed at first of course but now my collection will have a higher value at least," she said.
Herbie's lovable grin and gently bobbing head attracted Garcia to the collectors item.
"I started collecting because I thought he was really cute," she said. "It's a struggle getting your hands on one. It's every man for himself. Every year was a challenge."
Collector Pat Bentson said the festival's roster of merchandise won't be the same without Herbie.
"Every year, I made a beeline for the (mercantile) tent to get my wineglass and my bobblehead," she said. "I was very disappointed to hear that they weren't going to be having them again. I have all the bobbleheads from when they first started."
Bentson, who works in the community development department at City Hall, displayed her collection every July in her office. Situated on the way to the conference room in a heavily trafficked area, her office often attracted visitors who sparked conversation over the grinning doll.
Bentson said she wouldn't have paid much more than $20 for the doll.
Herbie dolls gained popularity over their seven years at the festival, becoming a hot commodity that typically sold out, leaving festival-goers scrambling to buy the collectible on eBay.
Herself a collector, Carr has at least four of the endearing dolls decorating her home and said it will be difficult to say goodbye to Herbie for now.
"It's a smiling garlic head," she said. "What's not to love?"
Herbie, named for the aromatic herb he resembles, joined the ranks of garlic ice cream and Sha-Boom - a '50s and '60s rock band - as one of the festival's most famous attractions.
"He really captures the garlic spirit," Carr said.
Other classic Garlic Festival paraphernalia, like the signature wine glass, and more "hip" apparel, like hoodies emblazoned with the festival's eye-catching logo, will be on sale at the event's mercantile tent, Carr said.
Sara Suddes Sara Suddes covers Gilroy for South Valley Newspapers. You can email her or call (408) 847-7158.
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