Secor Metropark events celebrate ‘Curious Critters’

8/2/2012

Naturalist, author, and photographer David FitzSimmons will share his new award-winning children's picture book, Curious Critters, at Secor Metropark's National Center for Nature Photography this weekend. A Curious Critters photo exhibit will open Friday at 5 p.m. followed by a reception and a presentation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. At 11 a.m. Saturday, there will be a book performance for children ages 5 to 8. The performance will feature FitzSimmons enacting pages from the book. He'll teach children how butterflies drink, ways that mammals fly, and why frogs sing. The program will include puppets and take-home activities. A book signing and meet-the-artist reception will be in the gallery from noon to 2 p.m. Guests must RSVP for the performance. To register visit metorparkstoledo.com or call 419-407-9701.

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It's time to Rock 'n' Roar at the Toledo Zoo. The annual summer dance party for the 21-and-older crowd kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday. A DJ from Sounds of Music will spin funky hits from the 1970s through the '90s. East River Drive and the NuTones will rock out with live performances. Cash bars and grilled foods will be available. The party runs until midnight. Tickets are $20 for zoo members and $25 for non-members. For information or to make a reservation, call 419-385-5721 ext 2091.

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More than 75 craft beers from 20 breweries will be available Friday at the Northwest Ohio Hopheads Festival, a craft beer festival from 7 p.m. to midnight at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd. Live music from Streetwize, Boffo, and Punching Buddha will set the stage for the outdoor tasting. Vendors will include Hoppin Frog, Maumee Bay Brewing, Columbus Brewing, Horny Goat, Elevator Brewing, Full Sail, Harpoon, Blue Moon, and several others. Pre-sale tickets are $25 and include 20 samples and a souvenir cup. Admission at the gate is $10 and includes a sample glass. Sampling is a la carte. For information or tickets call 419-882-1500.