It’s an open secret that many people only lock their cars during zucchini season, but Methow Valley Elementary second graders found a novel use for the garden bounty that didn’t make it into ratatouille or zucchini bread. Second-grade teacher Jonathan Stratman organized the friendly competition, which lured parents and other race fans to the improvised track at the school last Friday.
Odin Noe may have been inspired by a porcupine in creating his snazzy chartreuse zucchini racer.
Winner by a nose?
Court Darwood’s squash glittered in the grass after its swift trip down the ramp.
Matt Smith positions zucchini at the starting line for a three-way race.
Ben Kaufman, left, and Emmet Bondi hoist their squash after it bested its opponent on the way down the plywood ramp, propelled by aerodynamic streamers and pipe cleaners.
Spectators cheer on their favorites as the zucchini hurtle down the ramp.
Steve Bondi makes minute adjustments to be sure the start of a race is timed exactly.
Bright colors, beads and pearls make for a stylish squash.
Ready, set, go… gourds!
