There are slugs all over Bowen Island. Slugs in gardens, slugs on forest trails and even slugs painted onto walkways to remind drivers to slow down.
And, on August 25, there will be slugs "racing" to the finish line at the Bowfest Country Fair.
While some islanders are pulling out their best Bowen cookie recipies and watering that prize-worthy zucchini in anticipation to this year's celebration of summer, others are getting their slugs in race form.
Last year the slug races were so popular that organizers ran three races. Slugs were setting records as both being at their slowest and fastest time ever: a leopard slug raced by team CR slimed down the track in a record-breaking 5.5 minutes in race 2. Races 1 and 3 had very slow starts, but race 1 was won by Isla and her slug named Sailor, with Shah and Angus’s Smiley coming in close behind in second place. Dawn and her slug Crash won race 3.
These are classic slug races where the rules are simple: bring a (well-treated) slug in a container and a bribe to place at the end of the track. No water spray bottles and no snails.
Mascot Bo the banana slug will oversee all the events, including the parade that pays homage to the island's Citizen of the Year and Dog of the Year, bouncy castles, musical entertainment and contests.
Other contests include: the biggest (heaviest) zucchini, best photo of a bee, best photo of a slug, tallest flower grown on Bowen and best cookie baked on Bowen. Kids will be vying for best Lego design and trying to convince judges that their farm animal or pet is the best.
If you want a taste of what island farmers are up to, a mini farmers’ market sponsored by the Bowen Agricultural Alliance displaying items made, baked and grown on Bowen.
And for those who want to fit in another race before summer ends, you can participate in Run for Rwanda to raise money for girls' education opportunities.
Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for nine and under. Register at Rotaryrunforrwanda.com..
This story has been adapted from its original, which first ran in the Bowen Island Undercurrent.
