East Vancouver neighbourhood's annual zucchini race is too wholesome (VIDEO)

The humble zucchini is a versatile vegetable. You can roast it, fry it up,  or even turn it into “zoodles” for your favourite pasta recipe. But did you know you could also race a zucchini?

If you’ve never seen a zucchini race before, let’s just say you’re missing out. You can catch the event at the McSpadden County Fair happening this September in East Vancouver.

Organizers told Daily Hive that the fair has quickly become a local tradition not to be missed.

“The area surrounding the park is an amazing neighborhood that really didn’t seem to have one thing to draw it together. The fair created an opportunity to celebrate this beautiful community in a fun and meaningful way,” they said.

At the fair, you’ll find local vendors, food trucks, entertainment, competitions, information booths on urban agriculture, and the unique zucchini races.

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What is a zucchini race?

According to the McSpadden County Fair, at this year’s 7th annual zucchini races, the veggies are decorated and affixed with wheels before they’re sent careening down a 26-foot ramp.

There are five classes of racers: pickle-weight, middle-weight, heavy-weight, outlaws, and technical-class.

All racers must meet strict requirements, including one vehicle per participant made out of a single zucchini or yellow squash. Racers must be less than 25 cm in width, including wheels and decorations.

For more information on how you can build, register, and race a zucchini of your own, you can check out more details on their website.

“Zucchini races are actually not as rare as one might think,” said organizers.

“Our first event was inspired by the annual Salt Spring Fair, which has run zucchinis for years,” they said.

“Our hope for this event is that it serves as a platform for community connections for years to come.”

“The city can be an isolating place for people of all ages, and finding ways for people to come together in joy and laughter is a pretty great way to build better neighbourhoods.”

If this doesn’t qualify as among the most wholesome neighbourhood events in the city, we will eat our zucchini racer.

McSpadden County Fair

When: Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: McSpadden Park – 2125 Victoria Drive