Winter Blast festival to kick off as Detroit auto show enters final weekend

DETROIT -- The Meridian Winter Blast kicks off downtown Friday afternoon, as the 2017 North American International Auto Show enters into its final weekend.

The winter festival is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. on Friday with an "ice ribbon" cutting. The festivities run through Sunday.

The ribbon cutting will take place at Campus Martius, in front of Hard Rock Cafe, located at 45 Monroe Ave.

Attractions include: the Meridian Winter Slide, Bedrock Ice Bar, an ice garden, free skating at the Campus Martius Rink provided by St. John Providence, MetroPCS Zipline Adventure, Detroit Interactive Sports Zone and marshmallow roasting.

The Sports Zone, which will be stationed on Woodward Avenue, will feature activities provided by the Detroit Red wings and Pistons.

Local restaurants and food trucks, including Mac Shack, Shredderz and Beans & Cornbread will be stationed along Monroe Avenue.

Performances by local musicians are planned.

Auto-show goers will receive free, same-day admission to the festival.

General admission will be $3 or three canned goods/non-perishable items or a children's book, which will support anti-hunger and literacy projects in Metro Detroit.

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