Thursday, March 28, 2024

Nazis? Nah…

You might have heard that members of the National Socialist Movement are coming to our lovely downtown for another rally. You might also remember that last time they came it was a riot, and not in the fun sense.

 

While Nazis are typically a group that provokes an, um, extreme response from me, this year I am at a loss for words. Instead of telling you what you (hopefully) already think, I am not going to waste any time on a group of people who are only entertaining in the context of bad UFO conspiracy documentaries or zombified B-Movies.

 

So, I’m not telling that you shouldn’t gawk at the racist, old  white men (some people are into that, I guess) but I am suggesting that there are better things to do in Toledo than give Nazis even a second of your time.

 

Community activities to focus on unity:

 

NWO NORML presents: The 420 Freedom Bash – Are you in favor of the decriminalization of cannabis in Toledo? Help raise campaign funds during this kickoff. Enjoy live music, shop vendors and learn from informational speakers. Nazis will NOT harsh your vibe. Donations at the door. 6pm. Bronze Boar, 20 W. Huron St. (https://www.facebook.com/events/1525127617712059/permalink/1543891552502332/)

 

Color Wheels Community Bike Ride – Celebrate National Architecture Week with Scott Boberg, manager of public programs and visitor engagement at the Toledo Museum of Art. This two-hour bike tour will display what Toledo has to offer.  Pre-registration requested. 10am. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe Street Terrace. 419-255-8000 ext. 7432. toledomuseum.org Free

 

Non-Profits Matter – Learn about the work of over 30 local non-profits and discover volunteer opportunities. Who cares about Nazis today when you can work on making a better tomorrow? 10am-4pm. Lighthouse Landing, 4441 N. Summit St., Point Place. 419-214-0331.

 

Party for the Planet – Celebrate Earth Day by bringing in recyclables and learning from local environmental organizations. Only if some people could stop recycling failed ideologies… 10am. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-4040. toledozoo.com Free

 

Bowling For Bullies – Join Toledo's PET Bull Project at Timbers Bowling Lanes in Maumee for the annual Bowling for Bullies event. $20 per person, $90 team of 5. 6-9pm. Timbers Bowling Lanes, 1246 Conant St , Maumee. toledospetbullproject.com

 

21st Annual Take Back the Night 2015 – Before the 7pm march, check out the resource fair featuring Clothesline Project, starting at 6pm. UAW Local 12 Union Hall on Ashland Ave. (https://www.facebook.com/events/884757158234413/) Free

 

Annual Toledo Sister Cities International Festival – Diversity is exciting! Learn more about your neighbors and celebrate what makes Toledo special – all of us. Noon-8pm. University of Toledo Student Union, 2801 W. Bancroft St. 419-966-1048. toledosistercities.org Free

 

The Arts:

 

Record Store Day! – Our local gems have a lot of music to offer. Rama Lama (3151 W. Central Ave., 419-531-7625) wil 10% all new times and 20% all used. Culture Clash Records (4020 Secor Rd., 419-536-5683) will be selling exclusive releases and live performances by Sweet Lil’ from Athens, Ohio. Free

 

Handmade Toledo’s Maker’s Mart: Spring Fling – Shop from over 80 handmade vendors and live la vida Toledo. $1 suggest donation. 10am-8pm. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. 419-214-1717. handmadetoledo.com

 

The Immortals – This large-scale, completely original puppetry performance takes its audience to a future, fantasy universe on the brink of decay. $12 general admission. 7:30pm. UT Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre, 1910 W. Rocket Dr. 419-350-2452. theimmortalspuppets.com

 

Artomatic 419! – The biggest! The baddest! The most fun. So much art you might even forget Nazis exist. Skeptical? A special Tiki Bar at 7pm might help. 11am-11pm. One Lake Erie Center, 600 Jefferson Ave. 419-254-2787. theartscommission.org Free

 

Tree City Film Festival Weekend – This second annual short film festival lights up the screen all weekend long. Check out “The High School Shorties: A Shorter Short FIlm Challenge,” a collection of 3-5 minute stories made on digital devices at 1pm ($3)/ “The TCFF’s 50-Hour Challenge” at 7pm ($8) will give you the chance to see work produced in just 50 hours, which means outstanding, original films and 0 chance of “Triumph of the Will.” Sylvania Historical Train Bar, 5717 Main St., Downtown Sylvania. 419-882-4865. syvaniaarts.org/tree-city-film-festival

 

Toledo Artists' Club Annual Auction – Bid on artwork made by members of one of Toledo’s oldest arts non-profits and listen to a real, live auctioneer.  $2 entry, includes one raffle ticket. 7pm, Saturday April 18. Elks Lodge, 137 W. Wayne St., Maumee. 419-531-4079, toledoartistclub.com

 

The Extraordinary Buildings of TMA – After biking, settle down while Richard Putney, University of Toledo art history professor, brings the history of the TMA’s buildings to life. 2:30-5pm. Toledo Museum of Art GlasSalon, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org

 

T-Town Tassels: 419 – Honor the Glass City with hourglass figures. 8pm. $5. The Moxie, 1205 Adams St. 419-320-1075. brownpapertickets.com

 

Miscellaneous:

 

Tea Tastings – Learn about the history and different varieties of Green Tea. 2pm. $10. Elaine’s Tea Shoppe, 3115 W. Sylvania Ave. 419-885-1515. wildorchidteas.com

 

Home Improvement & Garden Show – Nothing brightens up a room more than knowing a large group of Nazis will soon end their Toledo vacation. Preserve the glow with tips, tricks and trades from the experts of domestic enhancement. 11am-8pm. $6/adults, kids and military free. SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave.toledo-seagate.com

 

Downtown Toledo Farmers' Market – Pick up some produce from local vendors and enjoy fresh and tasty food, free from all Nazi-additives. 9am-1pm. 525 Market St., Downtown. 419-255-6765. toledofarmersmarket.com

For even more events, visit our calendar of events at toledocitypaper.com

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