By Rich Larson
Northfield residents will have an opportunity to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle later this month while also helping put more trees in the ground around the community.
The City of Northfield is partnering with the Rotary Club of Northfield and Recharge America to host the Recharge Northfield EV Ride & Drive on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Northfield Middle School.
The free event will give visitors a chance to explore a variety of electric vehicle makes and models. Participants can either take a ride in an EV or, with a valid driver’s license, get behind the wheel for a test drive. No purchase or other commitment is required.
Each ride will also raise money for tree planting in Northfield.
Recharge America will donate $50 to the Rotary Club of Northfield for every completed test drive or ride during the event, with donations capped at $10,000. The Rotary Club will use the money for its canopy project, which purchases and plants new trees throughout the community.
City Sustainability Coordinator Sara Pabich said the event combines an opportunity for residents to learn more about electric vehicle technology with support for another community priority.
“Trees are an important part of what makes Northfield a vibrant and welcoming community,” Pabich said. “It’s a great example of how a community event can connect people with new technology while also generating support for an important community priority.”
In addition to the vehicles, food trucks and local and regional exhibitors will be on site throughout the four-hour event.
The Recharge Northfield EV Ride & Drive will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 26, at Northfield Middle School, located at 2200 Division Street.
The event is free and open to the public.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
