A ramp awaits racers’ descents. Photo courtesy of Susan Hanks

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Ready, set, go!

To mark its 100th anniversary, the Rio Linda Grange Number 403 will hold its annual Zucchini Festival and Races at 9 a.m. Aug. 10 at the Rio Linda Library, which falls just two days after National Zucchini Day.

Since 2014, the Rio Linda Grange has hosted this annual event for the community to provide an enjoyable, carefree time for all.

 A crowd eagerly watches a zucchini race during a previous year. Photo courtesy of Susan Hanks

Why should residents come to the event?

“It is the Grange’s 100th year and our second year of doing this at the library. This event is special and one of a kind for everyone. It allows people to be silly and have fun,” said Rio Linda Grange President Susan Hanks. “Everyone needs to play with their food sometimes.”

Hanks and the rest of the Rio Linda Grange are anticipating an impressive turnout.

“We are expecting around 1,200 attendees,” Hanks said.

The free event will feature many options for family fun, such as food trucks, T-shirts, vendors, zucchini and most notably, zucchini races.

 Festive zucchini trophies are given to race winners. Photo courtesy of Susan Hanks

What is a zucchini race, you might ask?

Attendees can bring or build a racer at the event by attaching a zucchini or squash to the base and the racers will be released down a ramp, letting gravity decide the winner.

Each attendee is welcome to design their own racer, which will hold a limit of one zucchini/squash. Racer registration will open at 9 a.m. Aug. 10. Hanks emphasized that most individuals bring their own racers but there is also the option to pay $5 at the event to use racer-building materials provided by the Rio Linda Grange.

According to Hanks, racer dimensions must have a maximum height of 14 inches, a maximum width of 12 inches, and a maximum length of 14 inches. Motorized racers are not permitted. In addition, no intact skateboards or added weights are permitted.

All ages are welcome to race. There are separate races for children and adults and eventually the top-performing child will race against the top-performing adult, making for quite the spectacle, according to Hanks. Race winners will receive festive trophies.

Everyone is encouraged to be as creative as possible with their racers, as there will be a “best in show” trophy given to the most creatively-designed racer.

The Zucchini Festival and Races will take place at the Rio Linda Library, 6724 6th St., Rio Linda. The last race will take place about noon, according to Hanks. Parking will be free, as well as admission.

For more information about the Rio Linda Grange, visit https://grange403.godaddysites.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/RioLindaGrange.

 Residents get very creative with their zucchini racers. Photo courtesy of Susan Hanks