Zucchinis became race cars Saturday as more than 35 young competitors took part in the Adams County Farmers Market’s annual Zucchini Grand Prix.
The free, STEM-focused contest invited children ages 16 and younger to design and build zucchini-mobiles before sending them down a pinewood derby-style track. The market supplied zucchinis and craft materials, allowing participants to experiment with wheels, axles and decorations.
“It was very difficult to get the wheels on, so props to all the kids that got them together,” said Alison Stewart, a member of the market’s board of directors who also assists with marketing.
Children began arriving even before the scheduled 8 a.m. registration and building period. Stewart said the first participant appeared around 7:45 a.m. and began decorating as soon as the zucchinis were available.
The field continued growing until shortly before racing began at 10:30 a.m. Stewart had prepared 28 entry tokens but ran out early, with at least 35 children ultimately participating. That was an increase from approximately 28 racers last year.
Participants ranged in age from 2 to about 14. Preliminary heats were organized partly by age, with the winners advancing to a final race.
The competition extended beyond speed. Children stacked, joined and decorated pieces in imaginative ways as they competed for recognition for the most creative zucchini-mobile.
Stewart said the spectacle itself helped attract additional contestants.
“Everybody was coming over and getting excited for the race,” she said. “It looks like something’s happening, which then brings other people over.”
The event was rescheduled from its originally announced Aug. 29 date. State Farm Insurance agent Mike Ball sponsored the Grand Prix, allowing the market to offer it without a registration fee. Donations were accepted to help keep the event free for children.
