A Sound Plan

Catch up on The Bob & Tom Show!

An Opening Day tradition returns as Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati welcomes The Bob & Tom Show from 6-10 a.m. in the Hard Rock Cafe on April 12.

“The Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is thrilled to host The Bob & Tom Show for the Opening Day of baseball in Cincinnati,” said George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. “We will get the festivities started bright and early in our Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate the return of baseball in Cincinnati.”

Seats are first-come, first-serve, and the Cafe will open at 5:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the general public, 21+.

Tom Griswold co-hosts the radio show, The Bob & Tom Show, together with Chick McGee, Kristi Lee, and Josh Arnold. (Co-host Bob Kevoian retired at the end of 2015.)

This comedy-based early morning program is among the highest rated in American radio and has been nationally syndicated since 1995. The Bob & Tom Show airs on 92.5 FM The Fox in Cincinnati on Monday through Friday from 6–10 a.m.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

The Future of Sports

Thursday, April 7
7:30 a.m. –12 p.m.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
1000 Broadway St.

The deadline to register is April 4, 2022.

Tickets at www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/event/the-future-of-sports.

In case you need a reminder, the Bengals went to the Super Bowl this year. That championship run generated an incredible $4.4 billion in media impressions of Cincinnati.

With the LPGA returning this Fall for the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G and a bid for the 2026 World Cup still very much in the works, Cincinnati is already seeing how a big game can lead to a big gain.

“Over the next year, the Cincinnati sports business landscape will continue to change. Legalized sporting betting will launch with sports books opening up all over the state joining our neighbors to the north and west who are already seeing millions of dollars in new tax revenue,” says Jackie Reau, a member of the 2026 Cincy Local Organizing Committee committee and one of the presenters at The Future of Sports.

The event, presented by the Cincinnati Business Courier, will focus on the future of athletics and what the city can expect for facilities, construction, and the economic impact in the Greater Cincinnati region.

The program will begin with a virtual Q&A with Cris Collinsworth, Reau and Jamie Smith, publisher of the Cincinnati Business Courier.

“Cincinnati will learn if it’s a Host City for the largest sporting event in the world in 2026 as FIFA will narrow its decision to those cities who will host World Cup matches in less than five years,” Reau says. “Esports will continue to grow in popularity and reach into mainstream media. NIL deals among collegiate athletes will also continue to grow in interest and popularity.”

The morning will feature three panels including high school athletics, college athletics, and professional sports teams game day experience. The panelists will be

Phil Castellini, chief operating officer, Cincinnati Reds
Bobby Straka, director of marketing, FC Cincinnati
Seth Tanner, director of content, Cincinnati Bengals

Ken Bothof, athletic director, northern Kentucky University
Greg Christopher, athletic director, Xavier University
John Cunningham, director of athletics, University of Cincinnati
David Sayler, athletic director, Miami University

Tony Bacigalupo, athletic director, Covington Catholic High School
Justin Bayer, athletic director, Moeller High  School
Jabreel Moton, athletic director, Woodward Career Technical High School
Brian Phelps, director of athletics, Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Brian Reinhart, director of athletics, St. Xavier High School

“The entire Cincinnati sports business community is coming together to discuss the Future of Sports,” says Reau. “Join the discussion.”

No Foolin'

Order the official Rich Walburg Day T-shirt from Cincy Shirts!

What better way to pay tribute to a consummate jokester than by honoring him on April Fool’s Day.

On Friday, April 1, colleagues and friends of Rich Walburg are gathering to celebrate his life and work at an event organized by Game Day Communications. But everyone is invited to raise a glass and share a story in his honor and a life well-lived.

Walburg, a beloved figure in local media, passed away in January. Throughout his career, Walburg worked at WLW-AM, Q102, King's Island, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and the National MS Society's Ohio Valley Chapter. He was renowned for his quick wit, love of puns, and incredible professionalism.

Giving Back

To honor his legacy, his life’s work, and his alma mater, the Richard Walburg Media Scholarship at the University of Cincinnati has been established.

You can donate to the scholarship at foundation.uc.edu/ccmscholarship. Please put “Richard Walburg” in the memo line.

“Rich was Cincinnati’s cheerleader for most of his career,” says Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day. “We were so lucky to have Rich join us at Game Day. I miss Rich as a trusted colleague and, more importantly as a great friend.”

The celebration begins at Holy Grail at 3 p.m., with a special performance at 4 p.m. from Walburg’s favorite college marching band.

Guests are invited to purchase a limited edition “Be. Kind.” T-shirt to benefit the Rich Walburg Media Scholarship at University of Cincinnati.

Making the Pitch

A delegation of Cincinnati business leaders representing the 2026 CINCY Local Organizing Committee (LOC) along with Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval presented at Soccerex Americas in Miami on March 15 to bolster Cincinnati’s campaign as a Host City for FIFA World Cup 2026.

At the close of the presentation Mayor Pureval offered his personal cell phone number telling FIFA officials that they were one phone call away from any assistance they may need when hosting FIFA World Cup matches in Cincinnati.

Soccerex Americas is an event hosted in partnership with Concacaf, US Soccer Federation, Major League Soccer and LaLiga to connect 2,000+ senior executives from the soccer communities in North, Central and South America to offer programming on soccer industry trends, workshops and networking opportunities. FIFA and US Soccer executives will also attend the event.

The 2026 CINCY Delegation included

• Aftab Pureval, Mayor of Cincinnati

• Jeff Berding, Co-CEO of FC Cincinnati & 2026 CINCY LOC

• Julie Calvert, President & CEO of Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Andy Conklin, Vice President of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Shelley Delaney, Sales Manager for Sports, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Gary Lindgren, President of the Cincinnati Business Committee & 2026 CINCY LOC

• Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day & 2026 CINCY LOC

• Gina Rittinger, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at REDI Cincinnati

• Ian Smith, Business Development Director at REDI Cincinnati

• Amy Spiller, President of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky and 2026 CINCY
  Co-Chair of the Human Rights Committee

  For more information on Cincinnati’s bid to host FIFA World Cup 2026, visit 2026Cincy.com.

2026 CINCY, a community collaborative created to host 2026 FIFA World Cup in Cincinnati, Ohio, includes the city’s top government, safety, corporate, sports and civic leaders committed to hosting a world-class event.

“Cincinnati’s bid to host FIFA World Cup will shine a light on the passionate soccer fan base in the Queen City, the compassionate leaders working on human rights initiatives and the outstanding venues and facilities,” said Mayor Pureval. “Cincinnati is well positioned to represent the United States as a World Cup host city. With 60% of the nation’s population within an eight-hour drive of Cincinnati, the city is located at the center of America’s heartland.”

At Soccerex Americas, Cincinnati will have a presence at the Expo with a Cincinnati-branded booth.

Clover the Moon

Get the Party Started at The Banks

After two long years, the Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Day parade returns! Festivities begin on Thursday, March 10, with the official keg tapping of MadTree's Mac the Willis at Holy Grail.

The party continues into the weekend at The Banks.

Fishbowl at The Banks opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, before the parade begins.

Get an even early start at Moerlein Lager House, which opens on Saturday at 10 a.m. Brunch specials include shepherd’s pie and corned beef hash with poached egg. The bar is serving Irish coffee and Irish mimosas, plus Guinness on draft. Reservations can be made at www.moerleinlagerhouse.com

Galla Park serves brunch on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with entertainment all day. Plus the kitchen will be open late for all-day revelers.

The Stretch opens at noon, inviting you to grab a drink and watch the parade in the DORA district, then head back inside for green beer and your favorite Irish whiskey.

After waiting two years, a little snow isn’t going to slow down the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

On Saturday, March 12, the parade celebrate its 54th year, stepping off at 12 p.m. on Mehring Way.

What began as a small religious procession in 1967 has grown to large parade with pipers, step dancers, Irish families, marching bands, and floats. In 2001, the parade was moved to Saturday before Saint Patrick’s Day.

The parade’s honorary grand marshal is Cincinnati’s own Bob Harper, the president of Ohio’s Ancient Order of Hibernians. The AOH is the oldest Irish Catholic fraternal organization in the country, founded in 1836.

Lady's Choice

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer registration is officially open, and the tournament is seeking more than 650 volunteers who will be critical to the success of the event. Available committees include player services, tournament scoring, marshals, concessions, guest services, admissions and many more.

The full list of volunteer committees and information about becoming a volunteer can be found at queencitylpga.com/volunteers.

Cincinnati’s history with women’s professional golf dates back to 1963, when Kenwood Country Club hosted the U.S. Women’s Open.

The LPGA returns to Kenwood Country Club this Fall, with the Queen City Championship presented by P&G set for September 5–11.

“We are thrilled to welcome the LPGA back to Cincinnati for the first time in over 30 years, and we know that this passionate golf fan base will celebrate and support its return,” said tournament director Emily Norell. “From volunteering to watching along the rope lines as the best players in the world compete for the championship, there will be something for everyone at the tournament and we look forward to building a can’t-miss event on the Cincinnati sports calendar!”

A number of ticketing options for the even are available. Children aged 17 or under will receive complimentary admission with a ticketed adult, and all active, retired military members and veterans will also gain entry free of charge.

Spectator ticketing options include:

General Admission

General Admission Tickets provide access to the tournament grounds, public grandstands, and fan areas.

Single Day (Tuesday–Wednesday), $20 – valid on either day of choice

Single Day (Thursday–Sunday), $25 – valid on any one day of choice

Weekly Ticket (Tuesday –Sunday), $80 – valid all week

Commissioner’s Club

The Commissioner’s Club pays homage to three former LPGA Commissioners who all had ties to the city of Cincinnati and helped shape the Tour – Charlie Mechem, Ty Votaw, and Mike Whan. This upgraded ticket provides access to a viewing platform with covered indoor space and outdoor seating overlooking multiple holes. Upscale food options will be available for purchase.

Daily Commissioner’s Club Ticket
(Thursday–Sunday), $100 – valid any one day

Weekly Commissioner’s Club Ticket
(Thursday–Sunday), $350 – valid all week

All-inclusive ticketing options including private skyboxes and clubhouse hospitality are also available for purchase. For full ticket information visit queencitylpga.com/tickets.

Here We Goat Again

If You Go

Bockfest
March 4–6

Bockfest Hall, 1811 Vine St

Programs during the weekend include historic tours, live music, yoga, food, and beer.

Find details at www.bockfest.com.

One of the last events before the pandemic shutdown in 2020 was Bockfest. The parade was a snowy, goat-filled revel that gave way to a weekend of events celebrating Cincinnati’s beer history.

“(The parade) has taken on the spirit of the krewes in New Orleans where the same groups come back year after year and put their own spin on entires,” says says Steve Hampton, executive director of the Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. “Some keep it simple and some go big. Some go all in on monks and goat while other have fun with puns.”

Last year’s Bockfest was a more subdued affair.

“You don’t quite get the full effect of goats, monks, and other craziness through a Zoom chat!” says Steve Hampton, executive director of the Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. “Bockfest is about celebrating, and there are so many people that head out to Bockfest each year and meet up. Seeing old friends and making new friends will be especially special this year.”

“Where else but Over-the-Rhine can you borrow bales of straw in a pinch for
your beer festival from your neighboring monks?”

— Steve Hampton

While the Sausage Queen and the baby goats get a lot of attention, Bockfest offers much more. The weekend begins with a parade, ends with a petting zoo, and in between has a pig roast, historic tours, German bands, and even a race.

“We love our friends at the Flying Pig Marathon, who put on a fantastic Bockfest 5K on Saturday,” says Hampton. “But Bockfest is really built for those who want to ‘run’ the .05K Run on Sunday. It’s a grueling 164 feet, with all the bells and whistles of a real run like bottle opener medals for finishers. It is a really fun end to the weekend seeing the triumph of the human spirit!”

Steve Hampton talks about the Bockfest 5K.

Though Bockfest has become one of the city’s marquee events –while maintaining its authentic weirdness – the festival stays true to its scrappy, community-oriented roots.

Hampton reminisces about one early Bockfest.

“We had a tent set up in a gravel parking lot, and it had snowed before being set up. As the heaters kicked onm the snow melted and created a bunch of puddles and slush,” says Hampton. “This was as the festival was starting so we didn’t have a lot of options. I was talking to Brother Tim, one of the Franciscans next door to Bockfest Hall, and he offered up the bales of straw they had leftover from their Christmas live Nativity. Where else but Over-the-Rhine can you borrow bales of straw in a pinch for your beer festival from your neighboring monks?”

Though Hampton is a longtime organizer of Bockfest, he also has a deeply personal connection to the event. In an only-in-Cincinnati meet cut, he met his wife at Bockfest.

“She volunteered for one of our historic brewery tours,” Hampton says, “And we first met 30 feet underground in an old lagering cellar.”

Close To Home

2022 Cincinnati Home + Garden Show

Saturday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets: $14, box office (adult admission);
$12, online www.cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com.
Free for children under 12 years old. (Single tickets valid for one day of show.)

Continues March 3–6

Thursday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hero Day: Free admission for all who serve or served in our military past and present, current or retired police, fire, sheriff, highway patrol, doctors, nurses, emergency technicians, and teachers. Show your ID and you get in for free on Hero Day

Friday, March 4, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Perhaps you, like millions of others, have watched a lot of HGTV over the past two years. Also, like many of those people, you may have stalled on that bathroom renovation, never quite finished that patio, and have a half-painted garage.

Luckily, help is on the way!

The Cincinnati Home and Garden Show, presented by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers, returns Feb. 26 and 27, continuing March 3 to 6, bringing more than 400 experts to the Duke Energy Convention Center. You’ll find advice and vendors specializing in landscaping, kitchen and bath, and home improvement.

With so many specialists and so much information, you could get a little overwhelmed. Brianna Stahlmann the marketing director of Marketplace Events, which produces the Home & Garden Show in 65 cities, has some suggestions about how to make the most of your visit.

Interactive Exhibitor List

“We recommend checking out our online Interactive Exhibitor List to see who will be at the show,” says Stahlmann. “You can sort by project/category, like your favorites and send them to yourself via email, find exhibitor show deals and so much more!”

“While there are many exhibitors, what we love about the Cincinnati Home + Garden Show is the opportunity to meet companies face-to-face and have a conversation,” she says. You can see if you are a good fit to work together on your home project!”

It’s also a good idea to take notes, with old-fashioned pen and paper or use your phone to take photos of vendor information. That way, you can reach out after the show to ask more questions or get a quote.

Fuel Up

It’s a BIG show, so you’ll need a plan. Before you go to DECC, stop at Deeper Roots Coffee (338 W. Fourth St.) to make sure you are properly caffeinated. A little nosh is also a good idea.

Need to take a break? Enjoy lunch at Maplewood (525 Race St.) or Americano Burger Bar (545 RaceSt. ) are both a quick walk away so you can get back to decision-making.

Outdoor entertaining has expanded a lot in the past couple of years. During the pandemic, people’s expectations about patio spaces are much higher, so your beloved chiminea isn’t going to cut it anymore.

“Be sure to stop by the Semco Outdoor garden display – they’ll be featuring Glow-Path glow-in-the dark pavers!,” says Stahlmann. “(Those are) sure to impress any guest and are a must for outdoor entertaining on the patio.”

Has your garden had a tough winter?

“Be sure to stop by our other five amazing local landscapers to get even more of the latest landscaping and hardscaping tips and trends!” Stahlmann says.

Feature Gardens

Stroll through the Feature Gardens and see the outdoor inspiration created by Cincinnati’s top landscapers. Find new ideas, solutions, tips and design inspiration from the pros for all of your outdoor needs. The Feature Gardens of the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show will feature more than 10,000 square feet of landscape, patios and gardens with outdoor inspiration created by Cincinnati’s top landscapers.

“Ask a Designer” presented Sacksteder’s Interiors

Get expert advice plus 2022 tips and trends for home décor questions when from the “Ask a Designer” exhibit presented by Sacksteder’s Interiors. Show goers are encouraged to bring photos and project samples along with questions.

Hero Day: Thursday, March 3

To honor those who serve or have served, the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show will offer free admission on March 3 (includes active military, veterans, current or retired police, fire, highway patrol, healthcare, and teachers.) Show goers should stop by the show office and show us an ID or proof of your service and you will get in for Free on this day.

Dead of Winter

Remember that time Bockfest was cancelled by a giant blizzard? Steve Hampton does.

Hampton is one of the longtime organizers of Bockfest and the executive director of the Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation and

If You Go

Precipitation Retaliation Happy Hour

Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 from 5–8:30 p.m.
Northern Row Brewery and Distillery, 111 W McMicken Ave.

Snowman burning will take place at 8 p.m.

Details at www.bockfest.com/pre-bockfestivities.html

In 2008, Bockfest was almost entirely shut down by the largest snowfall in 20 years.

“A few of us were sitting around planning the 2009 Bockfest after the blizzard almost wiped out Bockfest forever in 2008,” he says. “A few beers in, we were discussing the groundhog in Punxsutawney predicting the weather each year. We knew we wanted something more proactive than reactive, and in a moment –which I will proudly claim to my dying day–I said we should burn a snowman as a sacrifice.”

Of course, burning snow poses a host of problems. After a brief discussion of various chemical accelerants, Hampton and his compadres seized on the idea of burning a snowman in effigy.

That is how a snowman came to be set on fire at Grammer’s, along with much revelry. Thus a tradition was born, with good or at least not terrible weather, in the following years.

The proud and fiery legacy continues this year, as Bockfest returns to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

“I love this tradition, because it is an event that gets to the heart of Bockfest,” Hampton says. “It is ridiculous on the surface, people are passionate about it, it involves beer, and each successive person involved adds their creativity and spark to the event.”

Breaking the Silence

If You Go

Die Stadt ohne Juden (The City without Jews)
Film by Hans Karl Breslauer, 1924,
Music by Olga Neuwirth; Performed by Ensemble intercontemporain conducted by Matthias Pintscher

Monday, Feb. 21, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Mayerson JCC, 8485 Ridge Ave.

Tickets available now.

Silent movies often conjure thoughts of wacky hijinks or overwrought melodrama. But films of the Silent Era addressed social and moral issues of the day, from child labor and poverty to immigration and political corruption.

Hans Karl Breslauer’s 1924 film Die stadt ohne Juden (“The City without Jews”) was intended to be a satire on the antisemitic political and cultural movement of the 1920s. However, now it serves as a shockingly prescient look at the fear of multiculturalism and the normalization of antisemitism that would bring to power the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler in the following decade.

The discovery of a copy of the film at a market in Paris in 2015 led to the full restoration of the piece and a new score composed by Olga Neuwirth draws the audience into a nearly 100-year-old world.

Matthias Pintscher, conductor and CSO Creative Partner, will lead the Ensemble intercontemporain, in performing the score. This Paris-base ensemble who have traveled to Cincinnati specifically for this one-a-kind performance.

This program is part of the Cincinnati Jewish Bicentennial, which marks the 200th anniversary of Jewish community life in the city of Cincinnati, which formally began with the founding of Chestnut Street Cemetery in Cincinnati’s West End in 1821. The Jewish community and the City of Cincinnati will commemorate this significant milestone through community celebrations, multi-generational programs and interactive experiences.

Homefield Advantage

A new way to WHO DEY

Find some unusual Bengals-themed fun!

Esquire Theatre
Offering mega bags of popcorn at a Who Dey price

Lucca Workshop
Special Bengals coasters and keychains

Spruce Nail Shop
Feb 6-Feb 12: 9% off all Bengals-themed nail art

Dojo Gelato?
Offering a limited edition "Welcome to the Jungle" gelato flavor at the Fidlay Market location

Dunlap Cafe
Limited edition Mr. Dunlap Cincinnati Football T-shirt

Taste of Belgium
Orange dipped and striped waffles

Neusole Glassworks
Make your own Bengal pint glass; $30 a glass or $35 for an etched glass

Find a complete list of parties and events at cincinnatiusa.com/cincinnati-bengals-guide.

The Super Bowl may be in LA, but the party is in Cincinnati.

Around the city Bengals fans will be gathering to watch the game among friendly faces and WHO DEY chants.

Game Dey at the Banks, presented by Bud LIght and Kroger, starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13.

With the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) at The Banks, fans can go from bar to bar, searching for the luckiest place to sit, based on their own superstitions.

The party includes food, beverages (adult and otherwise) plus four viewing areas on Freedom Way and the Schmidlapp Event Lawn, along with live music from 2 p.m. until game time by What She Said and Audio Graffiti.

What to start the party sooner? Fountain Square is celebrating the Bengals all weekend long.

Thursday, Feb. 10, 4–9:30 p.m.: Party Like It's 1989 – DJ Diamond spins the hits ‘80s and ‘90s hits, to honor the Bengals’ last Super Bowl appearance.

Friday, Feb. 11, 4–9:30 p.m.: Welcome to the Jungle Party – Fun and games and plenty of music.

Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Who Dey & Friends Skate – Who Dey, and his friends Gary the Lion, Mr. Red, and Puck Chop from the Cincinnati Cyclones invite you to hit the ice.

 4–9:30 p.m. : Show Your Stripes Party – Bengals fans of all stripes are invited for for music from DJ Fusemania and live music from Audio Graffiti on Fifth Third Bank Center Stage. 

Sunday, Feb. 13, 1 p.m.: Game Dey Party – Party highlights include

• Pre-game music from DJ Arie starting at 1:00pm 

• Live music from local favorites, 2nd Wind Band at 2:30 p.m

• FREE face painting

• Heaters and seating on Fountain Square’s Plaza

• Hot and cold drink specials at Fountain Square’s full-service bar 

• Game day coverage on the giant Fifth Third Bank high-definition LED Board 

• Celebratory music from DJ Etrayn and pyrotechnics throughout the game

Find details on all the parties at myfountainsquare.com/events.

Motor Away

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If You Go

2022 Cincinnati Auto Expo
Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St.
Feb. 3–6

General admission: $11 | Children age 12 and younger:  Free (Save $2 by purchasing online in advance)
www.2022AutoExpo.com 

Thursday, Feb. 3, 5 – 9 p.m.  
REV IT UP! Opening Night – $1 admission                 

Friday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.    
Half-price admission from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.               

Saturday, Feb. 5,  10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 6,  10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

General admission: $11 | Children age 12 and younger:  Free (Save $2 by purchasing online in advance)
Tickets and info at www.2022AutoExpo.com 

Chip shortages, supply chain issues, and a pandemic made shopping for – and finding – a new car difficult over the past couple of years.

But the search for new wheels just got a little easier and a lot more fun.

The 34th Cincinnati Auto Expo at the Duke Energy Convention Center gives you the chance to experience technologies and features in the newest-model cars, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, crossovers, SUVs and trucks created by popular domestic and import manufacturers.

The Expo is managed and promoted by the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Assn. (GCADA), which represents 93 area franchised new automotive dealerships. Since its 1993 inception, GCADA members’ annual Opening Night REV IT UP! VIP Party has raised funds to support Cincinnati Children’s Comprehensive Children’s Injury Clinic (CCIC) Child Passenger Safety Program that provides safety seats and complementary resources to patients and the community to help prevent injuries to children while they’re on the road. Through the past eight years, GCADA has raised more than $435,000 for CCIC and is expected to surpass $500,000 in total contributions this February.

In addition to award-winning vehicles such as the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of Year (NACTOY) Truck of the Year, Ford Maverick, and Utility Vehicle of the Year, Ford Bronco, as voted by industry media, the Cincinnati Auto Expo also will showcase a variety of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids such as the BMW iX and i4, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang MACH E, Jeep Wrangler 4xE, Volkswagen ID.4 and more.

Don’t Miss

The Subaru Pet Park returns to feature animals from local shelters ready for adoption to forever homes.

Dream Machine Boulevard presented by General Electric Credit Union features a collection of the most-coveted vehicles in the area. The 2021 boulevard featured a collection of Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, Maserati and Porsche models valued at $1.5 million.

The Safe Travel for Kids Family Zone presented by the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Toyota Dealers will feature:

RC Car Raffle: GCADA members have donated more than 100 remote-control cars to raffle. Children place tickets into buckets for chances to win their favorites.

Cincinnati Children’s Child Passenger Safety display – Child passenger safety experts will provide advice about proper safety seat selection, fitting and installation in addition to directing parents and guardians to resources to help them protect children when they are on the road.

Dragonfly Foundation Firetruck – The Stonelick Creek Fire Dept. will be accepting donations for the Dragonfly Foundation, which offers pediatric cancer patients ranging from birth to age 40, their siblings/offspring and parents/spouses/caregivers a holistic, uncompromising, fighting chance at well-being by building a network that connects Dragonfly families to each other and the community. The GCADA makes an annual donation to help maintain the firetruck.

Kemba Credit Union Children’s Goody Bags: Kemba Credit Union will sponsor drawstring, backpack-style children’s goody bags filled with fun activities such as the Auto Expo Scavenger Hunt Passport. Children learn safety lessons as they complete their passport by stopping at different stations throughout the Expo floor. Children can present a completed passport for five entries into the GCADA Member RC Car Raffle.

Ford Racing Simulator:  Guests can test their racing skills with an immersive simulator that tilts on angles and rotates as drivers navigate changing road course track conditions.

Cincinnati Circus: Performers will roam the exhibit hall to entertain guests of all ages during select Expo hours.

Cars as Movie Stars: Guests will be able to view the 1973 Gran Torino that shared the screen with Don Cheadle in Miles Ahead, the film exploring the life of jazz great Miles Davis, and the 1949 Packard from the Cate Blanchett-Rooney Mara drama Carol. Each movie was filmed in Cincinnati.

Ready for a test drive? At the Expo, you test drive or ride in the Chevrolet Blazer, Equinox, Silverado 1500, Trailblazer and/or Traverse. Sign up just inside the convention center entrance at Fifth and Elm streets.

Along with the cars featured in films shot in Cincinnati, you’ll find more collector and unique vehicles from area clubs such as Cincinnati Concours d’ Elegance, Ohio Valley GTO Club, and individuals will make up a special exhibit.

Ready to Roar

You probably haven’t been to a pep rally in a while. But now you have your chance!

Show your stripes at the official Bengals Pep Rally at The Banks before the AFC Championship game in Kansas City on Sunday.

Join Who Dey and members of the BenGals (5 p.m.) along with Mayor Aftab Pureval. Bengals Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz and Bengals Legends Ickey Woods and David Fulcher (6 p.m.) are scheduled to make appearances. The party also features music from Audio Graffiti.

The stage will be set in front of the Freedom Center with beverage sales available throughout the DORA District.

Beer and soda sales from the event will benefit Special Olympics and their Polar Plunge event, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29 at The Banks.

In case you need a refresher on the Bengals fight song.

Chill of a Lifetime

Take the Plunge

Participants (or Plungers) in the Polar Plunge raise a minimum of $75 ($50 minimum for students 18 and under) and take the leap into a pool that will be set up at the intersection of Joe Nuxhall Way and East Freedom Way.

Anyone who wants to take the Plunge can sign up on-line at greatercincinnatiplunge.com, create their own Web page and raise money through the official Polar Plunge Web site. Participants can register as individuals or gather a team of friends, family or coworkers and register as a group.

There will be an early check-in for participants who want to avoid the lines on Plunge day. Early check-in will be held at Jefferson Social Club at The Banks from 5-7 pm on Friday, Jan. 28. Team captains and individual Plungers can turn in all money raised and gather select fundraising prizes prior to the event day.

Day-of-event registration for the Polar Plunge begins at 9 a.m. at Jefferson Social Club. Opening ceremonies, including the costume parade and costume contest, kick off at 11 a.m. and Plunging begins at approximately 11:30 a.m.

This year’s 2022 Greater Cincinnati Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics in Ohio and Kentucky moves to The Banks.

The Polar Plunge will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29, at its brand-new home in front of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. This will be the first time in the 16 years of the event that it will be held on the Ohio side of the river.

The Polar Plunge features brave souls – many in crazy costumes – taking a dip into chilly winter waters to help support the Special Olympics mission of providing sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The actual Plunge is only part of the event. The day includes a costume contest as well vendors and of course the restaurants and bars at The Banks that will open early for Plungers.

Afraid of the cold water or can’t be there on Plunge day? Again this year you can register to Plunge Your Way and raise money to support Special Olympics athletes, while still being eligible for great fundraising prizes.

This will be the 16th year that the Special Olympics programs in Ohio and Kentucky have combined to organize the event. The Plunge has raised nearly $1.9 million in 15 years for the two programs.

The Greater Cincinnati Polar Plunge is sponsored Hard Rock Casino-Cincinnati, Republic Bank, Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education, Local 12, Q-102, Cintas, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Sheetz and The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation is open to all individuals eight years of age or older. Training and competition in local, area, state, and national programs is offered year-round in 25 sports.

For more information about Special Olympics Programs, visit www.sooh.org or www.soky.org.

A Little Chili

If You Go

Chili Fest at Findlay Market
Sunday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sample chili and foods from merchants around the market.

Tickets can be purchased at the Market Center located in the Market House or online. 

As winter settles over the Tristate, it’s the perfect time to think about the ultimate warm-up – chili.

Whether you need supplies to whip up your own world-famous batch for the cold days ahead or want to sample chili-inspired foods made by experts, make a visit to Findlay Market’s Chili Fest this Sunday.

Since 2005, Findlay Market has celebrated our particular and peculiar local delicacy with Chili Fest each January.

“Besides the obvious, to enjoy so many warm, tasty foods on a cold January day, Chili Fest is an awesome way to support small businesses and try a variety of foods from different places,” says Kelly Lanser, director of communication & strategic initiatives at Findlay Market.

In the past, Chili Fest featured an old-fashioned chili cook-off. But given the state of things, this year’s event puts the spotlight on Findlay Market merchants rather than competition.

With more than 20 participating vendors, attendees will be able to choose samples and try various dishes from merchants by purchasing ticket packages in bundles of 5 for $10 or 12 for $20 to sample dishes.

“Ticket packages allow people to visit places they love, as well as try out new stops at the market,” says Lanser. “Live music and warm cocktails top-off the day at the market.”

Among the samples are

• Eckerlin Meats – Texas Beer Bacon Chili

• Em's Bread – 5 Cheese Banana Pepper Stuffed Loaf

• Harmony Plant Fare – Cincy Style Chili Grilled Cheese

• Makers Bakers Co. – Mango Habanero Cheesecake

• Maverick Chocolate – Fahrenheit 513 Hot Chocolate

• The Empanadas Box – Cinci-Chili Empanada

“We work with our merchants to come up with interesting themes, such as like Chili Fest, that provide interesting ways for them to showcase and sell their products,” says Lanser. “Chile Fest encourages people to come to the market on a specific time, enjoy the delicious food the market has to offer, all while supporting our dozens of small businesses.” 

Totally Gaga

Party like a rock star this New Year’s Eve!

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is hosting a Lady Gaga inspired party to ring in 2022, so show off that Poker Face.

The first 4,000 guests will receive Lady Gaga themed sunglasses, beginning at 7 p.m.

Local artists will be live painting Lady Gaga murals throughout the casino. Live DJ all evening long and a performance in the Hard Rock Cafe by Cassette Junkies, beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Lady Gaga look-alike models will be on the casino floor for photos and selfies.

Casino restaurants will have extended hours, though you find a meat dress on the menu.

Visit www.hardrockcasinocincinnati.com for details.

The Middle of Everything

If You Go

The Regional
Dec. 10, 2021 – March 20, 2022
Contemporary Arts Center
44 E. Sixth St.
FREE admission
www.cincycac.org

The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (Kemper Museum) in Kansas City, MO have worked together to curate the first major exhibition dedicated to artists living and working throughout Midwestern America. 

The Regional features new and recent work, including several site-responsive commissions, by more than 20 artists working across painting, photography, installation, and performance throughout the Midwest.

Showcasing artists that represent a wide variety of backgrounds, concerns, and approaches—including Conrad Egyir, Matthew Angelo Harrison, Gisela McDaniel, Devan Shimoyama, Alice Tippit, and Jordan Weber—The Regional celebrates the artistic and cultural complexity of the Midwest, offering audiences a more comprehensive understanding of this moment in America’s heartland.

The Regional is co-curated by Amara Antilla, senior curator at the CAC and Jade Powers, assistant curator at Kemper Museum. 

“The Regional is a testament to the range of creative practices and rich cultural heritage alive in the Midwest and is an important opportunity to support and celebrate local artists,” says Antilla. “The exhibition offers audiences a long glance into the heart of America, which is as complex, varied, and evolving as the artists and works on view in this show. At a time when the concerns of the middle of the country are ever more visible and urgent, this exhibition is a chance to spark dialogue and connection, providing audiences a deeper understanding of the historical foundation and contemporary concerns that ultimately unite us.”

Loosely defined as the area that stretches from the Dakotas in the west along the Great Lakes to Michigan and Ohio in the east and from the north in Minnesota adjacent to the Mississippi River through Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, the Midwest is a construct bounded by geography as well as shared social and cultural legacies. Partially encompassing the “Rust Belt,” a site of 20th century industrial growth marked by subsequent declines and more recent resurgences, the Midwest is linked by histories that include the early abolition of slavery and the underground railroad network, as well as immigration, namely by Germans, Irish, and Scandinavians in the mid-19th century, and more recently by asylum seekers from countries as varied as Vietnam, Iraq, and Somalia.

“The intersections that emerge between artists working all across the Midwest in this exhibition are truly exciting,” says Powers. “Working with artists based in the region and understanding the cultural landscape of America’s heartland brings ideas of self, community, and purpose to the forefront. It has been energizing to see how the artists respond to these themes in their practices. I look forward to the unique experiences of the work that each venue will present and the dialogue that they will surely inspire related to both shared and individual experiences within the Midwest.”

The Regional Artists

• Hellen Ascoli (b. 1984, Guatemala City, Guatemala; lives and works in Madison, WI)

• Lyndon Barrois Jr. (b. 1983, New Orleans; lives and works in Pittsburgh)

• Jonathan Christensen Caballero (b. 1988, Salt Lake City; lives and works in Lawrence, KS)

• Rachel Cox (b. 1984, Irving, TX; lives and works in Iowa City, IA)

• Mara Duvra (b. 1989, Silver Spring, MD; lives and works in Minneapolis)

• Conrad Egyir (b.1989, Accra, Ghana; lives and works in Detroit)

• Isa Gagarin (b. 1986, Guam; lives and works in Minneapolis)

• Rashawn Griffin (b. 1980, Los Angeles; lives and works in Kansas City, MO).

• Dan Gunn (b. 1980, Prairie Village, KS; lives and works in Chicago)

• Matthew Angelo Harrison (b.1989, Detroit; lives and works in Detroit)

• Pao Houa Her (b. 1982, Laos; lives and works in Blaine, MN)

• Anissa Lewis (b. 1974, Covington, KY; lives and works in Cincinnati)

• Dakota Mace (Diné) (b. 1991, Albuquerque, NM; lives and works in Madison, WI)

• Gisela McDaniel (b. 1995, Guam; lives and works in Detroit)

• Lorena Molina (b. 1985, San Salvador, El Salvador; lives and works in Cincinnati)

• Huong Ngo (b. 1979, Hong Kong; lives and works in Chicago)

• Yvonne Osei (b. 1990, Hamburg, Germany; lives and works in St. Louis)

• Natalie Petrosky (b. 1989, Akron, OH; lives and works in Cleveland)

• Devan Shimoyama (b. 1989, Philadelphia; lives and works in Pittsburgh)

• Alice Tippit (b. 1975, Independence, KS; lives and works in Chicago)

• Jordan Weber (b. 1984, Des Moines, IA; lives and works in Des Moines, IA)

• Margo Wolowiec (b. 1985, Detroit; lives and works in Detroit)

• Nikki Woods (b. 1990, Cleveland; lives and works in Cleveland)

Reflecting and responding to this range of social and historical contexts, The Regional scans the diverse cultural landscape of the region and provides a snapshot of the creative ecology blooming within it. The exhibition brings together new and recent work by artists from a variety of backgrounds who are currently based in Detroit, Cincinnati, Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, Madison, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, among other locales throughout the Midwest. 

The Regional celebrates the range of cultural origins and creative approaches in the middle section of America by uniting artists working across creative disciplines to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time.

As an initiative dedicated to showcasing and engaging with local cultural communities, The Regional will evolve as it tours to each location by inviting additional local artists to participate in related programming and installations at each venue. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a digital catalogue highlighting featured works and exploring a range of historic and contemporary themes informing the show. Together, the exhibition, publication, and related programs will invite audiences to participate in a dynamic discourse about the past and future of the Midwest and the artists working within it.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the CAC and Kemper Museum are developing a robust digital catalogue, which will be made available as a free downloadable PDF on each of the institutions’ websites. The catalogue will revisit older histories of the region while also inviting speculation about its future, highlighting certain works in the exhibition, and engaging a range of subjects including gentrification, propaganda, Jazz, joy, failure, and freedom. The catalogue will include new essays by the exhibition’s curators as well as contributions from scholars, artists, and thought leaders.

Welcome Back

Not sure when Holiday Pops is? Looking for Santa? Wondering where to grab a bite to eat?

Local experts are eager to help – the Fountain Square Visitor Center Cincinnati has re-opened!

Staffed by volunteers who have completed the Certified Tourism Ambassador training, the Visitor Center had been shuttered at the beginning of the pandemic when travel saw sharp declines. 

“Leisure travel to the Cincy region has made a strong recovery, and weekend hotel business is strong,” said Julie Calvert, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Reopening our Visitor Center on Fountain Square now to support the winter and holiday events gives our guests more ideas on ways to enjoy the region.”

Located in the north area of Fountain Square, near Chipotle and behind Via Vite, The Visitor Center will be open Fridays through Sundays, and the schedule will continue into the new year. 

“The Holidays are such a special time to visit Cincinnati, so it makes sense to re-open while people are returning to so many cherished experiences,“ Calvert added. “We encourage locals to reconnect with the region as well, and bring your out-of-town guests to these events and the Visitor Center.”

Light It Up

If You Go

JCC: Hanukkah at Fountain Square
Sunday, Dec. 5, 4 ­– 5:30 p.m.
Fountain Square, 520 Vine St.

Celebrate the end of Hanukkah with the Cincinnati Jewish Community! Details at www.jewishcincy200.org.

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights comes at the time of year when we need it the most, as the nights grow longer.

This Sunday, several local Jewish organizations are inviting the community to celebrate the final night of Hanukkah on Fountain Square.

“Fountain Square is the heart of Cincinnati. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and is the central gathering place for the Cincinnati community,” says Devra Silverman, youth and family programming specialist at the Mayerson JCC. “Fountain Square is the centerpiece of the city’s major festivals…its centrality and prominence are unmatched.”

The menorah lighting ceremony will be led by Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson of Chabad of Southern Ohio. He will share the story and traditions of Hanukkah as well as offer a modern context about hosting this holiday celebration on Fountain Square. Representatives from the event’s sponsors and organizers, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Mayerson JCC, The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial, The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, the Jewish Community Relations Council, Camp Livingston, and Chabad of Southern Ohio, will also light candles.

“We felt that it was important to honor the diversity of our community by showcasing many of the organizations that make our community so rich and vibrant,” says Silverman.

The evening will also include a presentation from Jackie Congedo, the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, about the Shine a Light campaign (see below). She address the the rise of antisemitism nationally, as well as here locally, and offer resources available in the community so we can dispel the darkness of antisemitism. 

“It’s important to our Jewish community, particularly in our 200th year of Jewish life in Cincinnati, to host the last night of Hanukkah because we are a vibrant and important part of the Cincinnati culture—and we want to include all of Cincinnati in our celebration,” says Silverman.

Shine a Light

Shine A Light is a comprehensive initiative to illuminate the dangers of antisemitism through education, community partnerships, workplace engagement, advocacy, and media. Through Dec. 6, Shine A Light will spotlight modern forms of antisemitism, raise awareness, and inspire action to fight it at every turn across America—in workplaces, schools and campuses, and online.

Using the powerful story of Hanukkah, Shine a Light works to champion the message that light can dispel darkness. It seeks to catalyze conversations within and across communities, on school campuses, and in the workplace, so that people will better understand what constitutes antisemitism and take steps to respond. Find out more at shinealighton.com.

On the List

Men are notorious for waiting until the last minute to do their holiday shopping. When you factor in gift wrapping, it can be even more of a buzzer-beat. But fear not! Dads of all ages (and types of offspring!) can take care of all their holiday shopping needs with one visit to The Banks.

Hosted by 1530 ESPN, The Banks and its partners offer a “Season of Saturdays” for dads to have a beer, watch a game and shop at The Banks for the entire family.

Packages include gift cards to:

• Ruth’s Steakhouse, Taste of Belgium, E+O or Moerlein Lager House with an overnight stay at the AC Hotel

• An “unplugged adventure” with a gift card to The Escape Game and a tour of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

• The perfect “in-laws” gift with a $100 gift card to E+O Kitchen and tickets to a show at the ICON Music Center

• Gift cards to the Cincinnati Cyclones, a pre-game stop at the Holy Grail and nightcap at The Stretch.

Pro-tip: Gift cards require almost no wrapping.

Other packages include a gift card for Cincinnati Bengals 2022 tickets, Bengals hat and pre-game gift card to Jefferson Social and exclusive “Dad’s Guide” Cincinnati Reds deals including tickets, an autographed baseball from Pete Rose, admission to the Reds Hall of Fame and other exclusive gifts.

Add convenient parking just steps from The Banks, and the holidays couldn’t be easier. Visit TheBanksCincy.com for more great holiday shopping ideas.