SPECIAL EVENTS: THIS WEEK

TEDx talks to inspire

9/19/2013

Some of Toledo's leading thinkers and doers will gather today for the city's version of the national TED talks. TEDxToledo will feature speakers from various industries, backgrounds, and world views who will give the "talk of their lives" in less than 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. The event slogan is "ideas worth spreading." The speakers are Mike Beazley, shaker; Jefferson Nelson, artist; Tedd Long, historian; Romules Durant, educator; Taylor Dungjen, Blade journalist; Dan Johnson, initiator; Dean Tartaglia, player; Brian Kennedy, visionary; Mike Osswald, marketer; Dave Beckwith, organizer; Molly R. Thompson, real foodie; Andre Ballard, architect; Crystal Phelps, launch pad; Randy Oostra, leader; Julian Davies, helper; Robert Torres, collaborator; Adam Mahler, connoisseur; Randy Root, strategist; Gabrielle Seay, torchbearer; Dave Schlaudecker, coordinator; Ben Morales, Instagrammer; Paul Sullivan, keeper, and Karen Sirum, scientist.

There is no public schedule, as organizers hope to expose attendees to topics and speakers outside of their norm. TEDxToledo runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the first floor auditorium of the Fifth Third building at One SeaGate downtown. General admission tickets are $75. Additional fees may apply. Information: tedxtoledo.com.

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More than 200 booths featuring food, entertainment, and art will line the streets of historic downtown Perrysburg Saturday for Harrison Rally Day. Almost half of the booths will showcase fine arts and crafts. Sculptor and painter Emanuel Enriquez and Craig Fisher, a print maker and commercial graphic artist, will judge the art show. The Creation Station will offer children's activities, including art projects and story telling by Martin Nagy, an internationally recognized arts educator. Nagy will appear as "Lightfoot," in period garb representing the Ottawa Tribe. The activities are free and open to children of all ages. Creation Station will also include an area of inflatable toys which requires a ticket purchase for entry. Other event highlights include a marketplace of area merchants and service organizations. The community parade will begin at 10 a.m. Food and live entertainment will be available throughout the day. Harrison Rally Day will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Louisiana Avenue and both East and West Second Street.

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About 30 parking spaces along Adams Street in Uptown Toledo will be transformed into temporary public parks for the annual Park(ing) Day on Friday. In previous years, spaces have been filled with everything from interactive stations to mannequins and even a dock with a boat. Businesses and nonprofit organizations pay a fee to rent the spaces for the event; proceeds benefit the Uptown Association. Park(ing) Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Street musicians and food vendors will be on-site. The event is free. Information: uptowntoledo.org.