Wicked Wheelbarrow Race
Turn a big mulch chore into a party: push a real wheelbarrow around an obstacle course on the Festival field—not the playground version where one person holds another’s legs. Help spread mulch, earn your shot at a time, and race for glory in the finals.
When and where
The Festival is on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School (44 McKeen Street, Brunswick). The wheelbarrow obstacle course will be set up on the sidelines of Stowe Field during the event, by the pavilion next to the blue top where the bike tent, solar exhibits, and other outdoor activities will be happening.
Time trials run from 10 am to 2:30 pm (see the Festival Program for the full schedule). Finals are at 2:30 pm, when the fastest qualifiers go head-to-head.
Want to help set up and test our course? Come to Harriet Beecher Stowe at 5:30 pm on Friday, April 24. We need people who can help us make sure our course is fun and safe for everyone!
How it works
We will have a huge pile of mulch to spread for Harriet’s Haven and the school grounds. To make that work fun, anyone who takes a turn spreading a load of mulch gets an entry ticket for the races.
Your ticket is your chance at a time trial: push a wheelbarrow around the obstacle course and clock a time. The fastest qualifiers move on to the finals at 2:30 pm for bragging rights and prizes.
Like everything at the Festival, the races are free and open to all.
Prizes
The grand prize for the finals is a yard of compost from Garbage to Garden. There will be other recognition and prizes for finalists as well.
Before you jump in
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; the course is on grass and field surface.
- Children should take part alongside a responsible adult.
- If you need accessibility details for getting to the Festival, see the Festival Program — Getting There or contact us.
Questions about the Wicked Wheelbarrow Race?