Saturday
September 7, 2024 
Calling all gearheads and gourd enthusiasts – the West Ward Market’s legendary Zucchini 500 is back.
The Lehigh Valley’s favorite vegetable-powered race – the Zucchini 500 – is returning to Easton’s West Ward Market 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 17. The free event – now in its 18th year – is open to both children and adults.
The West Ward Market has everything participants need to transform a humble zucchini into a champion: zucchinis complements of Easton Garden Works and LaFarm (the fresher, the faster); wheels, axles and building supplies; carving tools to unleash your inner craftsman; and a pit crew of veggie-savvy mechanics to lend a helping hand. NASCAR royalty Peter Brohl will officiate the race.
From 3-5:30 p.m. participants will build their zucchini racers. At 6 p.m. the little speed squashers take the track in the kid’s division (ages 16 and under), followed by the adults race.
There will be prizes for the fastest car in each category and the most creative design.
A Zucchini 500 photo station will be available for pictures of racers, friends and family in a zucchini car.
The West Ward Market is located on N. 12th Street in Easton, between Paxinosa Elementary School and Cottingham Stadium.
It complements the existing Market District properties – Easton Farmers Market, America’s oldest, continuous open-air farmers market; and Easton Public Market, a year-round indoor market and gathering space. All are operated by Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP). This year’s Zucchini 500 is sponsored by Capital Blue Cross. Zucchini will be provided by Easton Garden Works and Lafayette College LaFarm.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.