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ZUCCHINI FESTIVAL August 17-18, 2013, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., $8 general admission. See: zucchinifest.org

Has anyone ever gifted you zucchini or zucchini bread? Sometimes it’s a challenge to get into the spirit of eating this unusual food that unlike the cucumber, is usually served cooked. It can be prepared steamed, boiled, grilled, stuffed and baked, barbecued, fried, or served in soufles. Zucchini can also be baked into bread similar to banana bread.

While some will argue about Hayward’s status as  Zucchini Capital of California, the truth is that it’s the only city we know that has built an entire festival around this versatile summer star.  At the festival the zucchini offerings are rather simple, while bands and celebrating are plentiful. The highlight (in our opinion) is the Zucchini Growing Contest. Prizes are awarded for Most Unusual Shape, Heaviest and Best Color Variation. If you missed the Perris Potato Festival in June, you can still get in on some exciting action at the Hayward Zucchini Fest this weekend. But you better hurry! The next big event doesn’t come till October when Loomis Eggplant Festival celebrates yet another food that is so overlooked!