West Stockbridge will be filled with zucchini on Saturday so don't leave your car unlocked.

WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Zucchini, courgette, summer squash — whatever you call it.  West Stockbridge will be full of the vegetable (or fruit) on Saturday.

Volunteers are busy preparing homemade booths, decorations, games, and more for the annual Zucchini Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The first was held in 2003, ran for a decade, and then went on hiatus until it was brought back last year.

Sponsored by the West Stockbridge Cultural Council, the festival has drawn thousands to the town's center over the years and is a testament to its tight-knit community. Chris Powell, one of the many hands who make it happen, explained that the actual event and the preparations unite people from near and far in a special way.

"It's just a bunch of people coming together when they can and kind of meeting everyone where they're at too, what they can put into it, and it's just super fun in that way," he said.

It will kick off with a pet parade where zucchini costumes are encouraged if temperatures aren't too high. Lucky Bucket will end the night playing classic rock, oldies, country, blues, and soul beneath fireworks.  

In between, attendees can enter a zucchini weigh-off or decorating contest, a "zuck" river race, a baking contest, and a poetry contest among many more. These are said to be "quintessential" to the event.

There will also be a food court with vendors offering one to two zucchini-themed options along with their usual fare. Downtown businesses are also participating.

It is free and for all ages, with tickets for games and activities available for purchase. Powell noted that Zucchini Festival merchandise is cash only.