The popular vegetable race made a triumphant return to the Redmond Saturday Market Aug. 14.
In an effort to make the market an event for the whole family, the Redmond Zucchini 500 took place last Saturday after a 20-year hiatus. Children constructed cars out of zucchini and carrots and then raced them on a downhill track for prizes.
Market manager Martha Tyler, who was responsible for the return of the Zucchini 500 to the market, stated, “it is not just a market, but an event for the whole family.”
An event like the Zucchini 500 can be found at most Saturday markets and used to be a staple summer event for the Redmond Market 20 years ago.
Creativity was displayed through the creation of the vehicles. Some participants etched funny sayings, names or designs in the zucchini while others toyed with unique vegetable combinations in order to have the most durable car for the race. It was common for many carrot wheels to roll down the track in front of the actual car.
“There are no losers at the Redmond Market,” said Tyler.
Each participant raced his or her car until it lost and then received a prize.
The free event was made possible by contributions from different local vendors with the racetrack made by vendor Paul Franklin. The delicious cookie prizes were made by vendor Darlene Ulsh, who has sold her goods at the market for 17 years.
Overall 47 children raced in the Zucchini 500. Judges Paula and Ken Shapiro regulated the races.
Tyler was thrilled at the turnout for the event as well as for the overall market on the sweltering hot Saturday.
“We are booming,” Tyler said of the overall success of the market during the summer months. “We want the market to be a whole family and community event every Saturday.”
Tyler desires to have activities for kids and families every week of the summer.
Other events for children include story time once a month and “Kid’s Day” where children can sell their art alongside the vendors at the market. The “Howloween” pet parade, where children and pets can sport costumes, will take place in October.
For more information on upcoming market events visit www.RedmondSaturdayMarket.org.
