Test drive ‘green’car at Coventry Farmer’s Market

September 23, 2009 Business, Local News Comments Off

Prius plug-in hybrid concept illustration, courtesy of Toyota.

Curious about some of the “green” cars coming on the market? You can test drive one of them, The Toyota Prius, when it makes a stop at the Sept. 27 Coventry Regional Farmer’s Market .

The market is held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout October, at the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South St. in Coventry.

Toyota is including Coventry on a tour that includes farmer’s markets throughout the country, to promote the 2009 Highlander Hybrid and the 2010 Toyota Prius, the third generation of the hybrid.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2009. Photo courtesy of Toyota

Market goers can test drive either vehicle, and receive potted culinary-herb plant starters at Toyota’s booth.

Toyota’s national spokesman Keith Dahl said his company finds that many people who prefer to purchase locally-grown organic foods at farmer’s markets are also interested in driving hybrids.

“Opting to drive a hybrid, shopping at the farmer’s market and eating locally-grown foods are all choices people make based on their beliefs or to express their particular point of view,” Dahl said.

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid 18-liter engine. Photo courtesy of Toyota

Coventry’s Market Program Coordinator Winter Caplanson said she welcomes the visit. “We are thrilled to partner with Toyota to bring nationwide attention to Connecticut farmer’s markets,” she said.

In addition to this special event, this weekend’s market theme will be “Taste the Place,” and will feature nine chefs from local restaurants offering samples.

Market visitors also can take part of this weekend’s programs at The Nathan Hale Homestead, including free lessons on writing with quill pens and decoding spy letters as part of its “Sunday at the Homestead” series. The lessons will run from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

And the homestead’s corn maze is now open.

Posted Sept. 23, 2009