PEACH WEEKENDER

Special Events: This Week 4-24

Earth Day events Saturday at zoo

4/24/2014

In honor of Earth Day, the Toledo Zoo will host a spring cleaning celebration Saturday. At Party for the Planet, visitors are invited drop off recyclables and take part in cool activities that teach people how to be "greener." Local environmental organizations will highlight their work and show how to get involved. Also, there will be animal feeding demonstrations and meet-and-greets with zoo keepers. Recyclables will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be dropped off in the zoo's Anthony Wayne Trail parking lot.

Items that will be accepted for recycling include computers, televisions, printers, small household appliances, clothes, shoes, books, cell phones, printers, and ink cartridges. Zoo admission is not required to drop off recycling. For information and a complete list of items that will be accepted, visit toledozoo.org or call 419-385-5721 ext. 2049.

■The city's annual Take Back the Night rally kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday at the University of Toledo Scott Park Campus. The community event raises awareness and provides healing and support to end violence against women. The rally will include a resource fair featuring nonprofit agencies and businesses run by women and/or for women. A women-only march will take place after the rally and a separate event will be held for men. After the march, women will be invited to share and listen to stories at a speak-out. For more information, call 614-804-7444.

■The fifth annual Toledo Sister Cities International Festival will be Saturday in the Student Union at the University of Toledo, with a full range of cultures and performances from noon until 8 p.m. A Parade of Nations will open the event at 12:15 p.m., followed by afternoon and early evening events, ethnic food, dancing, music, and other performances celebrating cultures from around the world.

This year, 23 groups will perform and visitors can choose international fare from six area restaurants. World beers will be available, and vendors will offer crafts and other goods. Free parking will be available on the main campus. Admission is $5 for students with a school ID and seniors over age 65. Adult admission is $7 at the door and children 10 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at the Ask the Rocky counter inside the student union or by calling 419-966-1048.

■The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host Jazz Appreciation Month with JAM 2014 from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. The free celebration will include live music, crafts, and a snack bar.