Antioch, CA…The Antioch Farmers’ Market is hosting its 2nd annual Zucchini Car Race on Sunday, June 28th. This free family event invites participants of all ages to bring a locally sourced zucchini and transform it into a race car using free wheels and decorating supplies provided by the market.
Participants are encouraged to arrive by 10:00am to build and decorate their cars. All entries must be completed and registered by 10:45am, with racing beginning promptly at 11:00am. Kids and families will enjoy watching their creations speed down a custom-built race ramp while the community cheers them on. The fastest cars advance through a series of heats until champions are crowned. $200 prizes will be awarded for Fastest Car and Most Creative Car.
The Zucchini Car Race celebrates summer harvest season and gives families a fun, hands-on way to connect with local agriculture while creating lasting memories together. Detailed information on how to participate in the race are at the bottom of the page.
For customers who prefer cooking zucchinis over racing them, Award-winning cookbook author, chef and restaurateur, Cara Mangini, will also be at market on June 28th from 9am-1pm with The Vegetable School; an interactive, drop-in experience often described as “office hours with your favorite professor,” set within the farmers’ market. At the center of the program is Cara’s approach to “vegetable butchery” which teaches simple, foundational techniques that help home cooks prepare vegetables efficiently and with confidence. From breaking down a head of cauliflower to quickly stripping kale from the stem in a single motion, the focus is on practical skills that make everyday cooking easier.
Market-goers are highly encouraged to engage directly: bring a bag of produce from the market, ask what to cook that week, or learn how to handle an unfamiliar vegetable. Mangini provides real-time guidance, cooking ideas, and simple recipes tailored to what’s in season and available in the market stalls. “Most people want to cook more vegetables- they just don’t always know where to start,” said Mangini. “When you understand how to work with what’s in front of you, vegetable-centered or seasonal cooking becomes faster, easier, and a lot more enjoyable.” For more information about The Vegetable School, check out thevegetableschool.com or follow @caramangini.
At the Antioch Farmers’ Market, customers will enjoy the best of the summer harvest season, including Brentwood sweet corn, Organic berries, tree-ripened nectarines, peaches, sourdough breads, handmade pastries, and more. Visitors can also enjoy lunch from local food vendors offering sourdough pizza, handmade dumplings, fresh tamales and other delicious prepared foods.The market is conveniently located with free nearby parking available within walking distance.
The Antioch Farmers’ Market is a location certified by the county agricultural commissioner where farmers offer for sale only those fruits and vegetables they have grown themselves. For more info visit: @antiochfarmersmarket, 800-806-FARM, cafarmrsmkts.com.
ZUCCHINI CAR RACE PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
- Participants supply their own zucchini. All ages are welcome to participate.
- Make your car at home or make it at the market with provided free wheels and decorating supplies
- All participants must complete their car and register it at the race track by 10:45am.
- Every zucchini car must have a name, so start thinking about what you'll call yours.
- Racing begins promptly at 11:00am.
- Cars will compete in a series of heats until the fastest car is determined.
ALL ZUCCHINI CARS MUST FOLLOW THESE RULES:
- The zucchini car must not exceed 6.5 inches in width, including wheels, and may not exceed 16 inches in length.
- No weights or motorized devices are permitted.
- Zucchini must be farm fresh and sourced from a farmers’ market or local garden.
- The axle must pass through the zucchini.
- Cars may be built at home in advance or assembled at the market using the supplies provided.