Saturday, October 3 | 12–3 pm
Wyman Tavern, 339 Main Street, Keene

It’s back! The Historical Society of Cheshire County is reviving the beloved International Zucchini Festival, a Keene tradition once famous for its parade, oddball contests, and wonderfully irreverent take on the classic county fair.

We’re bringing that same spirit back for an afternoon of zucchini-fueled fun, including:

• A community parade through Keene State College, starting at noon
• The Grate Off Contest and Motorized Zucchini Race
• Zucchini Relay Race, Toss, and Shot Put
• An Agricultural Hall filled with zucchini creations, with categories including Silliest, Best in Show, and Best Zucchini Bread
• Free family activities, including face painting, ring toss, and zucchini carving and decorating
• Food and drink vendors
• Zucchini-themed fun happening around town with local organizations, including the Cheshire Children’s Museum
• Awards at 2:30 pm 

And yes, you can enter the contests! Bring your zucchini creations, your competitive spirit, or just come see what happens.

Admission: $10 adults | $5 kids | $20 family maximum

Admission includes festival “gadzukes,” our very own currency, redeemable for food and activities throughout the day. Bring a perishable food donation for The Community Kitchen and receive an extra gadzuke!

A historical note…the first-ever International Zucchini Festival took place in Harrisville in the 1980s and eventually drew national attention for its parade, games, contests, agricultural exhibits, and general zucchini absurdity.  The Historical Society’s latest exhibit “Zukes No Cukes” shares the story of this event from the 1980s and it is also open on Sat. October 3rd from 9am-3pm at 246 Main Street, Keene. 

“The original festival was beloved precisely because it didn’t take itself too seriously — it was odd, funny, and brought the whole community out for an afternoon,” says HSCC Executive Director Jennifer Carroll. “We’re thrilled to bring that same energy back, and we have no clue what to expect.”

Come be part of it!