"He's become our mascot. We like to say that when you see Herbie, you think of the Gilroy Garlic Festival," said Jennifer Speno, this year's festival president. "And he's cute."

Once inside the festival, which takes place July 29 to 31, visitors can purchase the traditional eight-inch version of the bobble-head doll that has become one of the hottest items at the annual event.

This year, Herbie, affectionately named after the aromatic bulb he resembles, is trading in his casual wear for a white chef's coat in honor of the garlicky grub served up at the festival each year.

"We've always tried to design him with some theme related to the Garlic Festival," said Patty Sebald, chair of the festival's retail committee. "This year he's a chef. In comparison to the other Herbies, he's got a little bit more rounded features because he likes to eat."

Herbie burst onto the scene during the city's 24th annual Garlic Festival, when he wore farmer's attire of overalls and a T-shirt.

"He sold out in record time," Sebald said. "In less than an hour that first year he was just gone. He's very special."

In his second year, organizers dressed Herbie in a tuxedo in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Garlic Festival, which drew a record crowd of more than 130,000 people. The festival, which is organized and run by more than 4,000 local volunteers, has raised more than $6 million for local charities and programs since it began in the late '70s.

Herbie's quick popularity in recent years ensured he would return, Sebald said. It was simply a matter of deciding on a design. Organizers expected Herbie to once again sell for $10 a piece. The dolls have fetched double that amount on online auction site eBay. Last year's Herbie, dressed in blue jeans and a black T-shirt with a picture of a frying pan flame-up is still available, along with one of the 25th anniversary dolls.

Sebald dispelled rumors that Herbie would appear with children this year, although she confessed organizers had thought about including some bobble-head kids.

Organizers wanted to keep a limited supply of about 3,000 dolls to ensure they remain collector's items. Plus, she explained there would have to be a Mrs. Herbie before any kids come along.

"Right now Herbie remains a bachelor," Sebald said.

She encouraged anyone interested in getting their hands on a doll to get to the festival early on Friday July 29, the first day of the three-day event. Tickets for the event cost $12 for adults, $6 for adults and seniors. For more information, visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.

Although the Gilroy Dispatch does not have any obligation to monitor this board, the Gilroy Dispatch reserves the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to the Gilroy Dispatch in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. The Gilroy Dispatch also reserves the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions. All threats to systems or site infrastructure shall be assumed genuine in nature and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Submission of any comments will be considered permission to use online or in print.

© Copyright 2008 MainStreet Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of MainStreet Media, LLC. is expressly prohibited.