Zucchini may not be everyone’s favorite vegetable, but this often overlooked squash was enjoyed by hundreds at Hayward’s Zucchini Festival held last weekend in Kennedy Park.
This annual small town affair turned out to be a big crowd pleaser. As people bit into hot and crispy fried zucchini, they walked from vendor to vendor scouting out wares they might want to take home with them.
Many sat in front of the two stages enjoying local musicians play and sing their renditions of favorite tunes, or to watch local organizations put on demonstrations.
Children were able to ride the Ferris wheel, rock climb, see how long they could last on a mechanical bull, or get Dora the Explorer painted on their cheeks.
Booths for local charity groups were present. Park districts and other environmental organizations came to share knowledge about safe recreation in the East Bay and how East Bay residents can help save local wildlife. Local artists, jewelers and beekeepers gave the community a glimpse of what is being produced right in their neighborhoods.
While the Hayward Zucchini Festival may not be the state fair, it has everything one could ask for in a festival. Great food, good prices, music, art, and the chance to socialize. Although many of those who attended the day-long affair concentrated on consuming as much fried foods as possible, many others used the opportunity to bond with neighbors and friends.