Even with those limits, we had a lot of engagement from some fair attendees. The plug-in cars were parked right near the dining tent and bandstand where bands were playing most of the day.  One of our concerns was whether we could support test drives at the fair.  We have worked out a means to do that for next year using a back entrance to come and go during the 8 hours of the fair. The fair sponsors want us to return next year, and we anticipate doing so with a lot of ideas on how to improve promotion and interaction.  It would be great if the website could facilitate a reservation time for a test drive with vehicles offering that option to maximize it.  Given the fair runs all day we will be able to accomodate a lot of test drives next year.

Most of the attendees to who stopped to look at all the cars and talk to owners expressed interest in buying an electric vehicle at some point. Many were surprised at how many models are now available.  One of the voiced concerns is the cost of buying an EV.  While we had some information on incentives, the new tax credits in the inflation reduction act are not perfectly clear yet.  We need to develop a flyer showing all available federal tax credits, state of CT CHEAPR Rebates, and incentives from our utilities to install home Level 2 Chargers.  We also need a flyer that focuses on the increased option to buy a used EV . We also had a plug-in Jeep on display and it attracted a lot of attention. We will make a larger effort next year to get Rivians and Ford F150 Lighting there to draw attention to the fact that trucks, SUVS, and utility vehicles are going electric too.

The South Windsor Apple Festival is an event with over one hundred vendors that features music, food, activities for kids and the entire family. Admission to the event is free.  The event is held at the John J. Mitchell Fairgrounds  on Broofield Street in South Windsor, CT, and will also be hosting a Drive Electric Week Electric Vehicle Showcase.  Owners of EVs are encouraged to sign up and talk to festival attendees about their EV and ownership and driving experience.