Monday, August 8th, is "National Sneak Some Zucchini On Your Neighbor's Porch Day." This rather off beat special day was created by Pennsylvania residents Tom and Ruth Roy who asked us to consider dropping baskets of fresh zucchini on a neighbor's door step between the hours of dusk to dawn.
According to "Holiday Insights.Com" Zucchini is one of the most prolific plants in all of the gardening world One single plant produces an endless supply of zucchini. Over the years it has even been speculated that a small row of zucchini actually has the potential to end world hunger.
There also seems to be quite a few Internet sites covering the subject of sneaking this produce from the squash family onto a neighbor's porch. One of the more interesting ones involves a ritual dance. A naked grower goes to his garden with a machete and performs a dance under the moonlight prior to cutting the zucchini into stalks. The grower, still without clothing, then sneaks the plants to his neighbor's porch.
There are of course some serious safety concerns associated with this moonlight ritual. One of the most obvious ones is naked people swinging machetes.
Then there are some unexpected pitfalls that could present themselves during the course of sneaking across your neighbor's yard sans clothing. The risk concern includes:
The possibility that the targeted home has some of those motion activated security lights. Talk about exposing yourself.
You could also find yourself dealing with a not quite awake, and very frightened, shot gun carrying home owner.
Then there's always the risk of discovering that your neighbor's dog, a seemingly affectionate beast with a cute name like "Cupcake", has a dark side and the biggest set of teeth you've ever seen.
Then again, there's always the possibility that the neighbor and the dog won't even be at home that night because they're at someone else's house unloading their own surplus of zucchini.
NOW IT'S TIME TO CONNECT ZUCCHINI TO AUTO RACING
It seems that the always fun people at the Auto Club Speedway, located in Fontana-California, decided that a national day that celebrates zucchini would be a perfect promotional format for their October 11th Pepsi 500 featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
On any Tuesday, during the month of August, race fans can purchase a ticket for the Pepsi 500 for the low price of $35. Then the race track will send you some California grown zucchini complete with instructions on how to sneak it onto your neighbor's porch.
During this era of harsh economics, uniquely themed special promotions are absolutely the way to go when it comes down to the serious business of getting the consumer's attention. You have to admit that NASCAR racing and zucchini is a very unique blend.
AS THEY SAY DURING THE LATE NIGHT INFOMERCIALS: "BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE."
The Auto Club Speedway has a variety of ticket packages for their fans during the NASCAR weekend in October such as the $35 Pepsi Rock N Rows program which can be purchased at the track, over the telephone or online between now and race day.
Another one of their better promotions is the Dale Earnhardt Jr birthday package where the price tag matches the car number of NASCAR's most popular driver .For $88 fans will receive a ticket for the Saturday, October 10th, Camping World RV Service 300 featuring the NASCAR Nationwide Series, a ticket for the Sunday, October 11th, Pepsi 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event and a pre race pit pass for both days. Pay for this package separately and it will cost you $150.
The speedway offers race packages for every need and budget: from low cost tickets and bring your own food to top of the mark seating and accommodations in nearby luxury hotels. For complete details visit their official website at www.autoclubspeedway.com or call 800 944 RACE (7223).
THE FINAL THOUGHT
To my rowdy friends who may be considering placing zucchini on my front porch, August 8th, I need to remind you that I'm not that fond of green colored vegetables. I prefer the yellow food group such as "Lays Potato Chips."
I have no problem with you sneaking across my front yard stark naked as long as you realize that I may be waiting for you with a camera. I will, of course, claim photo rights and send them to the long list of editors who publish my columns. If you can live with those stipulations then go for it.
