2006 Mercury Discover Mercury Tour

Mercury Makes My Day

Test drove: 5/13/2006 to 5/13/2006

The Discover Mercury Tour kicked off in San Francisco on May 6, and I was fortunate enough to catch up with the tour at a trendy mall outside Denver on May 13. For those of you further east, mark your calendars: The tour continues on to Nashville (May 20), Orlando (May 27), Charlotte (June 3), New York (June 10), Indianapolis (June 17) and Chicago (June 24). As a little tip, the tour also includes "flash events" leading up to the dates above, which kick off on Thursdays (at a Landmark theater or affiliate) and continue Fridays (at a Wild Oats grocery store or affiliate), presenting vehicle displays and freebies, of course. Last but not least, the main event takes place on Saturdays in the above noted cities and oodles of goodies abound.

Exiting my car, I am greeted by a cheerful Mercury representative in a breezy light-blue shirt riding one of those funky Segways. Minutes later, another Mercury representative whisks past me, same blue shirt, this time in a golf cart, transporting shoppers from the mall to the event. Everywhere I look, I spot the tell-tale blue shirts, hustling and bustling about, guiding interested individuals to the tents for test drives and so much more.

I have the choice of five cars to test drive, but to make things intriguing, Mercury couples a lifestyle activity with each car. An oxygen bar boasting a score of aromatherapy scents, a 20-foot rock-climbing wall, a makeup and hairstyling station, a laptop poker game and a tent filled with snacks from Wild Oats lure me right in. I belly straight up to the oxygen bar, ask for a hookup of lavender and let the O2 work its magic. I indulge in the aromatherapy and have a chat with a couple and their 10-year-old son next to me. We all look rather silly with oxygen tubes embedded in our nostrils, but the intoxicating scents, friendly "oxygen-tender" and engrossing conversation keep us all hooked on. When my nose begins to tingle, I realize it's time to bid my farewells and disconnect.

Finally, fresh off oxygen, I float over to the cars. (With a lightness in my step, is it safe to drive like this?) The car that especially piques my interest during the test-drive bonanza is the 2006 Mariner Hybrid (which incidentally also won the 2006 Green Car of the Year award). Seeking a few more details, I speak with one of five product specialists (one dedicated to each car) and recognize immediately that this guy can answer just about anything; he's the techie guru. Note to self: if husband were here, this is where I would find him.

While taking a break under one of the airy tents, I speak with participants Jean-Marie DeLacruz and her charming daughters DeMika (11) and Xelena (7) — what a mouthful! Jean-Marie refers to the Mercury Milan as being "smooth like ice cream." In turn for their test drive, the DeLacruz family receives a $25 gift certificate to the adjacent mall. Oh, have I neglected to mention that one, ladies? That's right! Test drive one of Mercury's cars at the Discover Mercury event and get 25 buckaroos to spend at the mall. Not bad! Do these guys know how to reel us in, or what? Retail therapy never felt so good.

I notice children of all ages at the event. And why shouldn't I? Between the coloring table, the rock-climbing wall, the aromatherapy oxygen bar (peppermint seems to be a popular choice for kids), a Game Boy set up in the back of a display vehicle and all the yummy healthy snacks and drinks you could ever want, why not bring the whole family? Mercury's golf carts will even lug car seats to and from your vehicle to make test driving their fleet of cars a cinch — now that's service!

Hours are racing by and I realize it's time to get back home. I leave with my oxygen high and an overstuffed favor bag, jump into my car and screech to a halt when I realize I haven't spent my $25 gift certificate yet. I scramble to the mall, knowing I have to get home pronto ... run into Express, grab a couple of T-shirts and a Starbucks chi latte. A big smile spreads across my face as I think, Mercury you most certainly made my day!

*For more information on the Discover Mercury Event, visit http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/events . For questions or comments regarding this review, write to MotherProof@msn.com.