"What will we do will all these zucchini?" is a question often heard this time of year, and members of the Pine River Community Garden Club have an answer: "Celebrate it!"
On Sunday, Sept. 11, the Garden Club will hold their "Second Annual Zucchini Extravaganza" from 1 p.m. to 4p.m. at the Pine River Library.
Judy Poe, the library's community liason, says a full schedule of zucchini-related activities are planned for the event. "This event is for the entire community, not just the 'over-squashed' gardeners."
Local residents are invited to bring a zucchini or squash dish to share and be a part of the county-fair style contests for best appetizer, main course, or dessert. The rules, according to Poe, are quite relaxed; except for one: no pumpkins. "They get their own holiday," Poe said. "We're focusing on the less-popular squash." Zucchini, crooked neck, butternut, acorn, and other squashes are all included. A special celebrity chef cook-off is also planned.
The event will feature live music from The Cannondolls, a raffle drawing, recipe exchange, and fun contests.
"We want everyone to bring in their award-winning zucchini: ugliest, largest, and best-dressed," Poe said. "The special guest judge will be Chef Arnold "Safari" Ngumbao from the Strater Hotel. Children's events are planned for all ages, with zucchini-carving and a garden scavenger hunt. And of course, there will be squash-filled food for all!
And just like the neighborhood gardener with his or her extra zucchini, the event is free.
For more information about this year's Extravaganza, contact Darcy at 884-2222, ext. 522.
