August 16, 2005 > 'Alive in 2005' The Hayward Zucchini Festival

by Susana Nuñez

Fried zucchini, zucchini cakes, zucchini ice cream- you name it and you're bound to find it at this year's Hayward Zucchini Festival. This two-day event has drawn up to 50,000 zucchini-lovers from around the Bay Area and is sponsored by local businesses and the city of Hayward's park and recreation district.

"Along with all of the food booths offering something different in zucchini to eat, the music is great, the weather's going to be warm, and everyone always has a good time," said Rich Essi general manager of the festival.

Although the variety of delicious zucchini concoctions are the main attraction for most festival-goers, crowds are sure to stick around for the activities and entertainment. The festival boasts over 150 arts and crafts booths as well as a classic car show. The Kid's Town Area offers rides, games, prizes and face painting. Mystery chefs, a zucchini cooking and carving contest along with a visit from Zack, Zeek and Zuke, the Zucchini Rangers, are sure to delight the crowd.

Miss East Bay 1998, Julie Courtney, will be the Main Stage Announcer for the event introducing the weekend's talented performers. Acts include popular performers that will draw crowds to the festival to enjoy the music, food, wine and beer.

Celebrating its 23rd year, the festival is one of the last standing city events. It is "the last of the Mohicans" when it comes to large-scale festivals in the area said Essi. "We put out a lot of advertisements this year, since it had been down for about three years...we need the support to keep this alive in 2005. We're the last of the Mohicans!" The Hayward Zucchini Organization has been working hard to keep the event going, but it still needs the support of the festival-goers. Bring your friends and family and come out to support the festival to make sure that it won't be the last.

The Hayward Zucchini Festival will be on Saturday, August 20 through Sunday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. Tickets prices are $5.00 general admission, $2 seniors, juniors, and handicapped. Admission is free for kids ages 5 and under. For more information call (510) 264-9466.

Performances Schedule:

Saturday

4:30 - 6:00pm	Bobby Escovedo
3:00 - 4:30pm	Delta Wires
1:30 - 3:00pm	Gates of Eden
6:00 - 7:30pm	Silver Spur
12:00 - 1:30pm	The Martin Franko Band
10:30 - 12:00pm	Dave Crimmen Band

Sunday

4:30 - 6:00pm	Joni Morris (sings Patsy)
3:00 - 4:30pm	Wendy Dewitt (Queen of Boogie Woogie)
1:30 - 3:00pm	Dave Rocha Jazz Group
6:00 - 7:30pm	Just Trucking
12:00 - 1:30pm	La Ventana
10:30 - 12:00pm	The Groovy Judy Band