The annual Zucchini Festival returned to the Homer Farmers Market on Saturday, bringing crafts, kids zucchini car races, a parade around the market and the crowning of a new regent.

Christina Castellanos, owner and operator of Snowshoe Hollow Farm, was named the new Zucchini Queenie by former queen Jen Castellani from Will Grow Farm.

“I am honored to be Zucchini Queenie,” Castellanos said after the parade. “It took me by surprise … though I did grow some nice zucchinis this year.”

Castellanos has operated both her farm and her booth at the market for 18 years, she said.

Kids participating in the zucchini car races spent the first three hours of the market crafting their cars, using provided supplies and with the stipulation that a zucchini be attached in some way.

Volunteer Joey Lothian returned as festival emcee, guiding the races as participants competed two at a time. Race “medics,” including return volunteer Liam James from Homer Hilltop Farm, carried the zucchini cars from the finish line back to the start using a mini stretcher.

Find more information about the Homer Farmers Market and annual events at homerfarmersmarket.org/.

Kids race their handcrafted zucchini cars during the Zucchini Festival at the Homer Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Race “medics” pick up toppled zucchini cars from the finish line to carry them back to the start during the Zucchini Festival at the Homer Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)