UNITY — There were plenty of vegetarians at Unity’s Parkview Place Sept. 10, but they had nothing to do with a meal. An event that started five years ago as a fun way to use up excess large green squash in the fall’s garden harvest has now become an annual tradition at Parkview Place, Unity’s senior assisted living facility. The Zucchini 500 races take place each year in September.
Residents spent the day previous doctoring up their entries to compete for top placings at the variable vegetable competition. With pandemic restrictions lifted, community members are encouraged to join in the day’s fun.
Racers place their creations on top of an inclined track and hope to cross the finish line first. There is no size limit for entries, but rules stated that the track was a maximum of 10 inches wide. Racing entries must be gravity powered only.
Seven-year-old Patrick Balagtas took home best-decorated entry, fastest race and youngest racer prizes for the day, with his entry, “Tropical Rocket.” Parkview resident, Adam Tuchscherer, enlisted his MacGyver instincts to create the second-fastest green machine raced on the day. Lukas Worthington guessed the correct weight of a large zucchini while also capturing the prize for the smallest zucchini. Long-time Unity Airport supporter, Maynard Slater, won the largest zucchini prize with “The Mustang” airplane racer.
Parkview Place Manager Paula Sittler, said, “We had several photo finishes, believe it or not. Residents enjoyed being joined by a jubilant crowd. Eleven racers squared off in competition and final race decisions were left up to guest judges, Cathy Davisson and Mayor Sharon Del Frari.”
Sittler along with the activities director at Parkview Place regularly commits to hosting celebrations and activities that engage residents, whether just amongst the population within their centre or inviting the public to join in their fun. Residents are often enlisted to be part of the action by putting in an entry on days such as this or helping create decorations, with a variety of other special events offered throughout the year.
You can follow all the latest news and updates on Parkview Place on their Facebook page.
