If you or someone you know has a summer garden with prolific produce (think tomatoes and zucchini), there’s often an excess to consume, freeze, can, or share. A wacky annual event takes a few copious crops off their growers’ plates.

Photo credit: Photos by Ken Bird courtesy of The Cole Camp Courier.

By Peg Cameron Gill

Green-thumbed gardeners in Cole Camp have discovered quite a “quick” way to get rid of some of their overzealous zucchini—the Cole Camp Zucchini Races! This entertaining annual event has been going on for nearly 20 years. The fast-ivities will take place on Saturday, July 15 on north Maple Street in downtown Cole Camp.

Zucchini-keen contestants can register that day between  5–5:30 PM. The races follow from 6–8 PM. 

There is no entry fee, and the veggie vehicles race down a special side-by-side, two-lane inclined track. The race is double-elimination, so entrants get to run twice. The faster flier in each bracket will win a trophy.

Photo credit: Photos by Ken Bird courtesy of The Cole Camp Courier.

Of course, there are rules and regulations: Because each of the two tracks is 12” wide, the zucchini zoomers can be no wider than 12”. The axles must pass through the zucchini, and the entry cannot rest in any kind of “cradle” or wooden frame.

The age and race brackets are: 

  • 6 years old and under
  • 7 to 14 years old
  • 15 years old and over
Photo credit: Photos by Ken Bird courtesy of The Cole Camp Courier.

The other prize categories are:

  • Best Decorated Zucchini
  • Biggest Zucchini by weight 
  • Best Zucchini Dish
Photo credit: Photos by Ken Bird courtesy of The Cole Camp Courier.

In years past, the zucchini dishes have run the gamut from sweet to savory—and everything in between.

Come cheer on your favorite green “go kart.” The races promise fun for the whole family. Be sure to bring a lawn chair so you can sit comfortably on the sidelines. 

For more information, email [email protected] or call (660) 668-4416.

The event is sponsored by the Cole Camp Chamber of Commerce. In consideration of the right to participate, entrants do expressly release and discharge the Cole Camp Chamber of Commerce, City of Cole Camp, and anyone affiliated with said event from damage, injury or loss that may be suffered in conjunction with said event.

This event is partially funded by Benton County Tourism Commission. 

 Here’s an interesting way one Missouri restaurant is incorporating locally grown zucchini into its menu. Plus, a recipe for a refreshing zucchini salad.

For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.