Electric vehicle show set for May 9 in Wooster

On May 9, the community is invited to a day of celebrating and learning about electric vehicles at the Drive Electric Earth Month Local Roots Market and Café Eighth Electric Car Show.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Local Roots, 140 S. Walnut St., Wooster. A free, family-friendly event, the day will include community members showcasing their own EVs (electric vehicles), as well as a variety of vendors and informational booths, and special breakfast and lunch offerings at Local Roots.

The Drive Electric events happen all over the country around Earth Day. These events showcase electric vehicles, and the vehicle owners share their real-world experiences. Event organizer Ryan Leeper said the day provides an opportunity for “learning about the benefits of electric transportation from actual owners without pressure to purchase.”

Leeper explained why he feels the event is so important.

“In my opinion, EVs are just a better mode of transportation," Leeper said. "Filling up my car from 0-100% costs $10 and has a 300-mile range. If owners also have solar power at home, they slip the $10 into their own pocket. EVs have a significantly reduced maintenance schedule, with no oil changes, and due to regen braking, the brakes last over 100,000 miles. Single-gear transmission allows for a very fast, quiet and smooth acceleration with almost zero wear and tear. Filling up at home takes five seconds to plug in, compared to five minutes during a blizzard.”

Jesse Piedfort, deputy director of Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, explained why the event is especially important in 2026.

“As federal hostility toward EVs grows,” said Piedfort, “state-level action and advocacy are increasingly critical to advancing policies that benefit everyone. Alongside investments in public transit, biking and walking infrastructure, electrifying the transportation sector is essential for a clean energy future. It improves public health, reduces climate pollution and expands access to more sustainable mobility options.”

Attendance is free, and no registration is required. For those wanting to bring their EV, registration is required and available right up until 8 p.m. the night before the event. The first year, there were eight EVs. Last year it had grown to 68. Leeper is aiming for 80 vehicles this year, including cars, SUVs, trucks and electric motorcycles. Ride On will have e-bikes across the street.

Vendors will include Solar United Neighbors advising regarding home solar installations; Beck Electric will display EV charging equipment and discuss installation; Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network will have information regarding sustainability in daily life; Schaeffler will display electric drive units made in Wooster; E&H Ace Hardware will have electric lawn equipment on display; and Friends of Wayne County Parks will be on hand to talk about local parks and how community members can help support area parklands.

Additionally, Friends of Secrest will give away tree saplings. Food and coffee will be available for purchase. Local Roots will offer breakfast from 8-11 a.m. — creperie with Chef Michael Ollier. Lunch will be made by Big D’s Soul-B-Q from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To register, volunteer, represent a related vendor or nonprofit, sign up at https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/event?eventid=5072. The event will be held rain or shine.

“Politicians and special interests are doing their best to spread disinformation about EVs, but a ride in a quiet, quick, clean vehicle can turn the idea of going electric from an abstract idea to a reality for many interested consumers," Piedfort said. "There's nothing more valuable than the trusted word of a friend or neighbor who has gone electric and experienced it for themselves.”

Leeper said the event benefits the community by showing that real people benefit from EVs.

“The community benefits from reduced local emissions, decreased automotive noise and money staying in the community,” he said. “Whether you're looking for energy independence, cost savings, reduced maintenance, reduced emissions or a better driving experience, EVs have a benefit to you. If you've ever been curious about EVs, want to skip $4 gas or just want a better way to travel, come see what it's all about.”