It’s been a warm summer. It seems everything is ripening a little early. Even though we are not even through August yet, berries seem to be falling to the ground — except for the ones picked and sold at the Homer Farmers Market. 

Last week I saw black and red currants, red and golden raspberries and Saskatoon berries for sale. It’s just earlier than usual.

Even the annual Zucchini Fest is happening early.

That right. It’s time once again for the zany craziness that comes when you mix kids and vegetables and wheels. This Saturday kids can head over to the Kids’ Zone at 10 a.m. and start decorating zucchinis to create the bestest zucchini racing cars ever. 

Get ready. Plan to bring your own zucchini, whatever shape size or color you want, or you can buy one at the Market.

Get set. Put stickers, wings, glitter, paint, antennae, headlights, jet boosters, action figures, other veggies, spikes, googly eyes or whatever else strikes your fancy onto your racing zucchini. And wheels. Don’t forget the wheels. Aerodynamic considerations are not required.

Go! At 1 p.m. the races will begin. The most charming announcer in the world, Dave Aplin, will keep track of what happens on the track, keeping you in stitches while the zucchini cars rev their engines. Or should I say, rev up for gravity to roll them down the racing ramp.

This is a Homer event, so plan to come rain or shine. The Market’s big tent can cover up much of these festivities, so you won’t need to get wet to show your support to our local creators and craftsmen who put their sweat and tears into their zucchini mobiles. 

Did I mention the prizes? The Market vendors are donating prizes. Everyone who wins gets a prize. And everyone wins. 

So head on down to the Market on Ocean Drive between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Satuday for the greatest festival of the year. Or, if you prefer quiet, non-mobile veggies, the Market will still continue beyond this marvelous day and you can find what you need next Wednesday from 3-6 p.m.

Kyra Wagner is the coordinator for Sustainable Homer and one of the Homer Farmers Market’s biggest fans.