Blast off in space; elegant cars, Bieb's on display; and crawl for art

   One-Tank Trip for Feb. 16/19

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Experience life at the space station, view the era of automotive elegance, check out a refreshed “Bieb’s” exhibit and join an arts crawl in St. Thomas.

   That’s all possible, blasting off with Journey to Space, an exhibit on now through April 28 at the Waterloo Region Museum in Kitchener (10 Huron Rd.).

   “Journey to Space takes visitors as close to being in space as one can get from Earth,” said publicist Sean Jasmins.

Blast off at the “Journey to Space” exhibit at the Waterloo Region Museum in Kitchener.

   He calls is “an incredible and unforgettable hands-on and climb-aboard adventure for all ages.”

   It’s highlighted by a simulation of life on board the International Space Station where visitors can try feats of engineering that support the astronauts.

   The challenges and triumphs of space exploration and discovering what is possible and what awaits in orbit and beyond are explored.

   There are “whole-body experiences” and authentic artifacts to engage visitors with the adventure of human space exploration.

   Among the relics from space are astronaut Neil Armstrong’s gloves from Apollo 11.

   The exhibit was produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota and the California Science Center with support from NASA.

Blast off at the “Journey to Space” exhibit

    An adults-only event (19-plus) called Guardians of the Gallery – A Night at the Museum is planned for March 30 from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

   The night starts in the dark for Earth Hour followed by food and drink, dancing, tours of the space exhibit and retro games.

   The wearing of “space-themed costumes” is encouraged, with prizes and “some of your favourite space characters will also make an appearance.”  waterlooregionmuseum.ca; (519) 748-1914.

    Zoom, zoom

   It’s not all new and glittery at the Canadian International Auto Show on now through Feb. 24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Some of the most iconic vehicles from the past are being shown at the auto show by Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. (Barbara Fox photo)

   The Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is showing some examples of the golden era of prestigious and rarely seen automobiles from the past.

   Called Art and the Automobile – ICONS exhibit, some of the “most-iconic people, events and marques of the 20th century as viewed through as automotive lens” will be celebrated, organizers say.

   It features 15 rare and classic cars, “all beautifully and painstakingly restored and maintained,” highlighted by a 1937 Cadillac.

Historic vehicles join the newest at the Canadian International Auto Show. (Jim Fox photo)

    The Canadian Automotive Museum is showing a 1915 Model T Ford and there is a 1933 Delage D8S Villars Roadster.

   A 1949 Delahaye coupe once owned by music icon Elton John and the 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom I that was once Canadian-born filmmaker Jack Warner’s are there, too. cobblebeachconcours.com; (416) 366-4820, ext. 228.

   All things Bieb

   The “Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom” exhibit has been given a “major refresh” starting today at the Stratford Perth Museum (4275 Huron Rd.).

   The exhibit was launched to much popularity a year ago in the pop superstar’s hometown.

   It now has more than two dozen new pieces of memorabilia provided by Bieber and his family, said John Kastner, general manager. stratfordperthmuseum.ca; (519) 393-5311

   Crawling for art

   The Railway City Arts Crawl returns to St. Thomas Feb. 22 and 23 with “more artists, exhibits and more opportunities to discover the vibrant art community.”

   It’s a “popular winter celebration of local arts and culture” that invites people to explore venues throughout St. Thomas and meet local artists,” said tourism manager Megan Pickersgill.

   Crawlers can pick up a free passport available from participating venues to select the artists they'd like to visit.

   There are more than 80 artists, venues and special activities that include artisan food, cultural dance, music, steampunk, a bonfire and acrobats.

   “You never know what’s going to pop up” while experiencing all these different forms of creativity, Pickersgill said.

   Crawl hours are Feb. 22, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an After Dark party from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the CASO Station. railwaycityartscrawl.com; (519) 631-1680, ext. 4132.

-30-

Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca