For the first time in its 45 year history, zucchini races are being added to the Williams Lake Harvest Fair.
This year the fair takes place Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8 in and outside of the Williams Lake Curling Rink.
Zucchini racing will only happen on Sunday, with a work party to build vegetable cars at noon, followed by the races at 1 p.m.
Williams Lake resident Duane Destree has built a "wonderful" race track, said Tammy Tugnum president of the fair's executive.
As it is the first time for the races, there will be a limit of 30 entries and for children only.
All supplies will be provided to build a zucchini vehicle, including the vegetables, wheels, etc.
Children who participate will be expected to be accompanied by an adult for the zucchini vehicle making.
"Anyone who wants to bring a zucchini pre-decorated with wheels, etc. is welcome too," Tugnum said.
Returning to the fair this year is Clinton W. Gray with his magic act.
A former Williams Lake resident, Gray entertains with magic and comedy, and has not been at the fair for a few years.
Maverick Farms from Bridge Lake is bringing a petting zoo and Uncle Chris the Clown will be on site both days, as well as Party Kings Co. with a collection of fun activities.
With the price of the admission, entrants can have their portrait done by Ted Couling, a caricaturist.
There will also be lots of vendors, some who attend every year as well as some new ones, Tugnum said.
"We have a woman coming from Prince George who makes jewelry out of vintage silverware."
Each year the Cariboo Piece Makers Quilting Club hosts a large quilt show at the fair, taking up an entire wall and additional space in the rink to accommodate more than 100 quilts on display.
Tugnum said the fair is lucky to have the club manage that aspect.
Williams Lake Rotary Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast both days in the parking lot above the Stampede grandstands from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Tugnum said every year she is surprised by the amount of entries, but is especially curious to see how vegetables and flowers have done with this summer's fluctuating temperatures.
As she reflects on her many years of being involved, Tugnum said the Williams Lake Harvest Fair is lucky to have great support from the community and businesses.
It's those supports that keep it going.
"When I first joined the fair there were 65-odd fairs in B.C. Now we are down to about 40."
Harvest Fair booklets are available throughout the community with information about submitting entries or on the Harvest Fair Facebook page.
