One-Tank Trip for
Jan. 11/14
(c) By Jim Fox
Ladies and
gentlemen, start your engines!
It’s auto show time
in Detroit and a chance to put some “summer” into the winter at the boat show
in Toronto.
These are the big
shows for doers and dreamers looking for the hottest wheels on the road and the
coolest watercraft on the lake.
 |
| The beginning of the journey – a 1903 Ford Model A – was on display at last year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Jim Fox photo) |
Zoom, zoom
Detroit’s biggest
gala of the year is Jan. 17 when 14,000 people will get up close and personal
with new cars and trucks while spending time with songstress Sheryl Crow.
That’s when the North
American International Auto Show rolls into Cobo Center (One Washington Blvd.) in
the Motor City.
“It’s going to
rock,” show chairman Bob Shuman said, noting the parade of “fabulous new
vehicles equipped with cutting-edge automotive technology” is back in town.
The show, from
Jan. 18 to 26, will attract about 770,000 people for its nine-day run when
about 50 worldwide concept and production vehicles will be unveiled.
Automakers confirming
vehicle debuts are Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler,
Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan,
Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, VL Automotive, Volkswagen and Volvo.
It’s the place to
“kick the tires” on more than 500 new vehicles representing the innovations of
the worldwide auto industry.
 |
| Writer Jim Fox tries the Porsche Boxster convertible on for size at the auto show gala. (Barbara Fox photo) |
The Charity Preview
gala is a “black-tie” affair to mix and mingle with the autos before the crush
of the public show days.
It’s next Friday
from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. after which singer,
songwriter Sheryl Crow will perform in the new Detroit Riverfront Cobo Atrium.
Over at Hyundai’s
exhibit, the Commodores will perform in their fine Motown style.
Gala tickets are $350 US, which includes admission to the concert, and
benefits Michigan children’s charities. charitypreview.com; 1-888-838-7500
 |
| It’s an evening of glitz, glamour and shiny new wheels at the auto show gala. (Jim Fox photo) |
After the gala,
“afterglow” parties are held throughout the city including one called Studio 25
at Cobo to “celebrate Detroit, the auto industry and the 25th anniversary” of
the show.
To be held in Cobo’s
new Grand Riverview Ballroom, there will be entertainment by Fifty Amp Fuse,
dancing, ice bars, gourmet food stations and other fun. Tickets are $150; (248)
643-0250.
Public show hours
are Jan. 18 to 25, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets
are $13 US, adults; $7, seniors and children seven to 12; free, six and
younger. www.naias.com; (248) 643-0250
Make it a Metro
Detroit getaway: www.visitdetroit.com; 1-800- DETROIT
Think summer
After a tough period
of wintry weather, warm up at the Toronto International Boat show on today
through Jan. 19.
The 56th annual show,
called Canada’s largest, most popular marine marketplace, has dropped anchor at
the Direct Energy Centre (100 Princes’ Blvd.) in Exhibition Place.
 |
| Many of the activities at the Toronto International Boat take place on The Lake. |
“Bring the entire
family for a fun-filled day of on-water boating activities, boat rides,
wakeboarding and boat-handling demonstrations on the world’s largest indoor
lake,” said publicist Tran Nguyen.
There are children’s
fishing and boating activities, 140 seminars and vendors with the latest
yachts, boats, kayaks, canoes, watersports equipment and marine accessories.
Duma the dog, who wakeboards
and drives a boat, is back to show-off again on The Lake containing 4.5-million
litres of Lake Ontario water.
Other “new and
exciting” features are the Water Walkers – walking on water inside a plastic
bubble – stand-up paddle board fitness demos, the return of Winter Wake Fest
and Viking boat races.
The Great Canadian
Fish Tank, a 12.2-metre long aquarium, provides a fish-eye view of Ontario
marine life with demonstrations on how to “catch the big one.”
 |
| Boats in every
shape and size are on display at the Toronto show.
|
The Discover
Boating Centre is where to find a boat to fit a lifestyle and budget along with
information on courses and boating destinations.
Show hours are
Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.;
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $18
for ages 17 to 64; $15, seniors, 65 and older; no charge for children to age 16
with an adult; $20, weekday pass, 4 p.m. to close; $25, two-day adult pass; and
$19, two-day senior pass. www.TorontoBoatShow.com;
(905) 951-0009
www.torontosun.com/2014/01/08/auto-boat-shows-coming-to-detroit-and-toronto
www.ottawasun.com/2014/01/08/auto-boat-shows-coming-to-detroit-and-toronto
www.torontosun.com/2014/01/08/auto-boat-shows-coming-to-detroit-and-toronto
www.ottawasun.com/2014/01/08/auto-boat-shows-coming-to-detroit-and-toronto
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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