Ever wanted to try out one of those nifty electric vehicles you’ve seen zipping around the island? You’ll have a chance on Saturday, May 18, at the first (annual) Electric and Alternative Vehicle Show and Tell in the parking lot of Lopez Island Body and Fitness (the old supermarket lot). Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A variety of electric vehicles will be showcased in this mini-transportation fair, including cars, trucks and bicycles. One Lopezian will bring an electric car he built himself and another the e-bike he developed for his own use.

“The goal is to acquaint folks on the Island with the idea of electric vehicles and for them to be able to ask real owners about the pluses and minuses of ownership,” says organizer Mike Moore.  “We’ll have handouts with information and online addresses and resources, too.”

Moore has long had concerns about the negative effect of internal combustion (gas- powered) engines on our environment. “I think that individuals switching to electric powered cars would help improve our world,” he says, “and hope this fair might nudge a few more people to take that step.”

Moore organized the event as part of Transition/Thriving Lopez. For more information about the group, go to www.thrivinglopez.wordpress.com.