Durgan,
I have a feeling that the restriction on no pets/dogs is because they're serving food. The laws governing having animals present in a "restaurant" situation are not as lenient as Europe and frankly are antiquated in my opinion. I know most of the committee and most would probably allow dogs if they could.
By the way...I stocked up on my annual supply of garlic. Most I keep for making my own garlic powder mix (I grind my own after drying them). The rest I use for seed or cooking. But figured I picked up at least 25lbs today....lol...and found a few new to me varieties.
Did you try the garlic fudge and other fudges with the hot peppers? Lots of great hot sauces to be found too.
Glad I got there in the afternoon as it was less wet.
Was this your first visit to the Stratford Garlic Festival?