Eco Fair on Summit
May 16, 2026, 12 pm-3 pm
House of Hope Presbyterian | St. Paul, MN
The Eco Fair on Summit brought together community members, environmental organizations, vendors, and clean transportation advocates for one of Minnesota’s largest sustainability focuses. Hosted by Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light which included six congregations, the event featured more than 70 environmental organizations, sustainable product vendors, and EV owners, all focused on supporting cleaner transportation and environmental practices. Minnesota Clean Cities Coalition participated through outreach and engagement activities centered on transportation electrification with an electric vehicle Ride and Drive Experience, EV owner vehicle showcase and electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles display.
Attendees had opportunities to explore a range of electric vehicles, connect directly with EV owners, and participate in a ride and drive experience. The Eco Fair featured 15 EV owners and their vehicles and 4 dealerships who brought 8 test drive EVs including: Polestar, White Bear Mitsubishi: Outlander PHEV, Kline Nissan: Leaf, and Schmelz Countryside Volkswagen: ID.4, ID. Buzz, a Fiat 500e and Topolino. 39 test drives were completed. Other vehicles present were Metro Transits Ford transit van and transit bus, Saint Paul Fire Department electric fire truck, Eastern Carver School District electric school bus, and Xcel Energy’s electric bucket truck.
Key takeaways from participant pre and post surveys included:
- 48% of attendees have never been in an electric vehicle
- 91% of people indicated Ride and Drive was a great experience
- Positive opinions on EVs increased by 27% on post drive survey
- 92% of participants stated that they expect to consider or will definitely purchase or lease an EV
Other event attractions included live demos of electric lawn equipment, e-bikes as well as residential solar resources, native gardening and pollinator education, waste and recycling information, sustainable food vendors and even baby goats showcasing weed management programs.
Event Highlights
- 1,400 attendees
- 60+ attendees stopped at MC3 booth
- 29 participants in the Ride and Drive Experience
- 8 EVs in Ride and Drive Experience
- 15 EV owners and vehicles
