Special Event – 2nd Annual

The Zucchini Car Race at the Peachland Fall Fair celebrates creativity, friendly competition, and community spirit. Participants of all ages can design and race zucchini cars on our custom track.

Whether experienced or new, this guide covers how to enter, build, and compete this year.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors.

Kelowna Truck & RV is again supporting the event with a generous donation and Race Master of Ceremonies, and Paynter’s Market is providing one free zucchini, while supplies last, with each Wheel Kit–Car Registration Kit purchase.

New for 2026: Kids’ Build-a-Car Workshop

Saturday, September 12th, 2:00–4:00 pm Grass Pad at Peachland Community Centre

Buy a wheel kit, receive a zucchini courtesy of Paynter’s Market while supplies last, and your child can build and decorate a race car with volunteer help.

Bring your car back on Sunday to officially enter the Zucchini Races:

Registration: Sunday, September 13th, 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm Completed entries are due by noon. Races start at 2:00 pm.

Eligibility and Registration

• Open to all ages, with a special Grandparents Day team category.
• Entry fee: $2.00 includes a wheel kit and a coupon to get 1 (one) free zucchini while supplies last from Paynter’s Market, 3687 Paynter Road.

Three ways to register and get your wheel kit:

1. Register online by August 31st, 2026. Pay and pick up your wheel kit on Tuesday, September 8th, 10:00 am–3:30 pm.

2. Register and pick up your wheel kit at the Peachland Fall Fair table at the Farmers Market on July 26th, August 9th, August 23rd, or September 6th, from 10:00 am–2:00 pm.

3. For children 12 and under only, visit the Fall Fair Kids’ Workshop on Saturday, September 12th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm to register and purchase wheel kit. Volunteers on hand to help kids create their race car.

CHECK-IN: Bring your racer on Race Day, Sunday, September 13th, 10:00 am–12:00 pm.

• All racers must be checked in at the Peachland Community Centre by 12:00 pm on Race Day. No refunds for no-shows or late entries.
• By registering, you accept that your entry may be damaged or destroyed during the races. Take a photo before racing begins!

Building Your Zucchini Car: Regulations

• Limit of one zucchini racing car per person. No driver’s licence required!
• The main body of your car must be ONE whole, fresh zucchini.
• Size Restrictions: Zucchini cars may not exceed 30 cm (12 inches) in length, and must not be more than 16 cm (6 inches) wide. Track size is 20 cm (8 inches) wide.
• Wheels: Cars must have at least 4 wheels. Wheels must be attached to axles that pass through or are affixed to the zucchini body. Wheels can be constructed from any material (plastic, wood, CDs, etc.) as long as they are safe and do not damage the track) but wheel must be a maximum 7.5 cm (3 inch) in diameter. Use the wheel kit provided or make your own.
• Axles: Axles may be made from metal, wood, plastic, or bamboo. The axles may be inserted through the zucchini or attached externally but cannot be attached to a wheeled platform (like a toy car, skateboard or roller skate).
• Decorations: Feel free to decorate your zucchini car! Use paints, stickers, googly eyes, or any creative elements you like. All decorations must be securely attached and youth/family friendly.
• Decorations cannot exceed 2.5 cm (1 inch) past the front of the zucchini.
• Give your racer a FUN or SILLY name! Officials have discretion to announce or not announce name.
• Gravity-power only: No motors, propellants, springs, explosives, or any form of propulsion other than gravity may be used.
• Safety: All cars will be inspected for safety. Any sharp or protruding elements that could cause injury will need to be removed or adjusted before the race.
• Keeping your zucchini racer in the fridge until race day should keep it race worthy.

Race Day Procedures

• Check-In: All participants must check in at the Zucchini Car Race booth between 10 am and 12 pm on Sunday, September 13th at the Peachland Community Centre. All entries will be displayed on tables before the races begin.
• Inspection: Cars will be inspected for compliance with the rules regarding size, weight, wheels, and safety. Non-compliant cars may be disqualified or required to be modified prior to racing. Officials reserve the right to refuse your racing car that does not meet regulations. 
• Race Order: Race order will be determined randomly and announced prior to the start. 
• Track Description: The official racetrack is a sloped ramp approximately 7 meters long (24 feet). The surface will be smooth and free of obstacles with 3 lanes.
• Launching: Race officials will release cars simultaneously from the starting line at the top of the track. Up to three racers from each category will compete in each heat.
• Heats and Finals: The race will be run in heats if there are many entries, with winners advancing to the final round.
• Finish Line: The car whose nose crosses the finish line first or closest to the finish line is the winner of the heat. In the event of a tie, a re-run will be held. Decisions by race officials are final.
• Retrieval: Officials are responsible for retrieving cars at the end of each heat.

Competition Categories and Awards

Every racing car will be assessed by officials and assigned one of the following age categories:

Sprouts – Under 8 years

Seedlings* – 8 to 18 years of age

Buds –19 to 35 years

Blossoms – 36 to 49 years

Slowly Wilting – 50+ years

“NEW” Roots & Shoots – Team Event (grandparent/grandchild)

We have a new category this year in honour of Grandparents Day on Sunday. Build a race car with your little one and race and enter in our newest Team Category: Roots & Shoots

Awards for Fastest and Best in Show will be judged in each category.

Fastest: The first to cross the finish line on the final race for each category.

Best in Show: Judges will award a prize for the most creative and well-decorated zucchini race car. Other Awards to be decided by Sponsor and Fair Officials on event day.

*Officials reserve the right to create subgroups within age categories depending on numbers of entries on race day.

Code of Conduct and Fair Play

• Sportsmanship: All participants are expected to conduct themselves with respect, kindness, and encouragement toward other racers and event staff.
• Assistance: Younger participants (under 8 years) may receive help from an adult in constructing their car, but creativity and effort from the child are encouraged.
• No Sabotage: Tampering with another participant’s car or interfering with another racer’s run will result in immediate disqualification.
• Disputes: Any disputes or concerns should be addressed to the race official.
• The car whose nose is the first to cross the line or that makes it furthest down the track (if none cross the finish line), is the winner.
• All decisions by race officials, event staff or designated judges are final.

Tips for Success

• Wheel Alignment: Ensure your wheels are straight and secure to prevent veering off course.
• Weight Distribution: Distribute the weight of your car evenly for better momentum and stability on the ramp.
• Test Runs: Practice at home with a similar ramp to fine-tune your design before race day.
• Creative Decor: Stand out in the “Best in Show” category with bright colours, themes, or imaginative features.
• Have Fun: Remember that the goal is to have fun, be creative, and celebrate our community spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

A: No, only zucchinis may be used as the main body of the car to ensure fairness for all participants.

Q: Can I enter more than one car?

A: Each individual may enter only one car per race per category.

Q: Can I enter the same car in more than one category? E.g. One Age Category and Team Category

A: No, a different race car must be registered for each category.

Q: Can adults help children with their racing cars?

A: Assistance is allowed for young children (under 8 years of age category), but the design should primarily reflect the child’s ideas and work.

Contact Information

For more details, updates, or to register, please email info@peachlandfallfair.ca. We look forward to seeing your unique and speedy zucchini creations at the race! Join us for an event full of laughter, learning, and community connection. May the best zucchini car win!