WEEKENDER I SPECIAL EVENTS

Toledo Auto Show rolls into SeaGate Centre

Preparations are made for the opening of the 2018 Greater Toledo Auto Show at the SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo. The show runs through Sunday, February 11.

The Greater Toledo Auto Show rolls into town on Thursday. More than 25 manufacturers will be on hand with sedans, sports cars, minivans, motorcycles, and more for weekend visitors to hop in and check out. Children’s entertainment is also part of the lineup.

The auto show, which is co-sponsored by The Blade, runs 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. Adult admission is $8 at the box office, $6 in advance online; children 9 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult.

For tickets and more information, go to toledoautoshow.org.

■ Celebrating and supporting black comic book creators from around the world is the Glass City Black Comix Arts Festival on Saturday. The festival runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. Admission is free.

Children can learn from artists how to tell a story visually, including how to draw, create, and develop characters. Parents and educators can discover books that encourage reading and learn about the growing ranks of black comic book creators.

The festival is presented by Peep Game Comix and the library. For more information, go to bit.ly/2nQfats.

■ A trip to the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium takes on a festive air Saturday, when zookeepers deliver their four-legged wards species-appropriate Valentine’s Day-themed treats. Guests can join in the fun of Vanimal-tines Day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Zoo admission for Lucas County residents is $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and children ages 2 to 11. The zoo is at 2 Hippo Way. For more information, go to toledozoo.org.

■ Lourdes University, in collaboration with Toledo Streets Newspaper, hosts a Poetry Jam on Thursday at the Ebeid Student Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania.

Local writers of all levels of experience levels are invited to participate in the informal competition with 3 to 5-minute pieces reflecting on the theme, “Our roots run deep.” Pieces should reflect on the poet’s personal cultural heritage or the diversity of American culture as a whole; only original works are considered.

The Poetry Jam begins at 5:30 p.m. and is free. For more information, contact Ashley Jackson at 419-824-3517 or ajackson@lourdes.edu.