Founder and fire chief
Bradley Ross Spencer (July 6, 1942 – July 2, 2015) first conceptualized the festival when he wanted to raise money for his local fire department, the
Morgan Hill Fire Department, after it was affected by
Proposition 13. On October 18, 1980, the first festival was held, attracting 30,000 visitors. and 2021. In 2023, it was postponed after numerous safety concerns were raised regarding the
Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting. The festival raises scholarship money for high schoolers within the
Morgan Hill Unified School District.
2024 rebranding In 2024, the event was rebranded as the Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival. Unlike previous festivals, a twenty dollar admission was implemented to pay for costs and scholarship funds. == Activities ==