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

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) – Rio Linda Grange No. 403 is hosting its annual Zucchini Races at the Rio Linda Library from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 9, featuring vendors, a car show, prizes and of course the races.

The community event is free for all who attend and some sponsors include The Grotto, Tummy’s Sub Shop, Kells Krafty Kreations, Elverta Market, Dan’s Garage, Charlie Horse Ranch Timing Systems and The Key Shop and More, according to the Rio Linda Zucchini Races Facebook page.

The Grange expects more than 2,000 people at this year’s event and racers can bring their own pre-made racer or participate in the Build-A-Racer workshop for $5 per person.

Track restrictions for Zucchini Racers require that the racer be no more than 14 inches from the front of the racer to the back of the back wheels. The racer can be no more than 12 inches high and must be no more than 14 inches tall. Zucchinis can be of any size.

Used rolling toys were collected at the Dry Creek Ranch House and the Rio Linda Grange, so the public will have an inventory to choose from when assembling their racers during the Build-A-Racer workshop.

According to the Zucchini Races Facebook page, “several generous donors” helped prepare 100 row feet of summer squash for the races on May 30.

Other event sponsors included ABC Ready Mix, Chery Island Golf Course, NEAR to You Pest Control, Pioneer Feed & Pet Supply, Rio Linda Quilt Trail Project and The Elder Craftsmen.

Sponsorship levels ranged from $50, which supported 10 Build-A-Racer opportunities to “The Whole Enchilada,” meaning the sponsor would out bid all others, becoming the event’s biggest sponsor. 

The Rio Linda Library is located at 6724 6th St. in Rio Linda. Zucchini race shirts were made available for preorder and some shirts might be available on Aug. 9, the day of the races.