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Enjoy a Winter Wonderland Thanksgiving at Glass City Metropark’s Ribbon Ice Skating!

Enjoy a Winter Wonderland Thanksgiving at Glass City Metropark’s Ribbon Ice Skating!

by | Nov 10, 2023

At Glass City Metropark, visitors of all ages bask in the exciting atmosphere of ice skating and marvel at Jeff Koons’ Balloon Monkey (Magenta) for a remarkable experience. 

Skating and Relaxing at Glass City Metropark’s Ribbon

The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark is a popular destination for ice skating aficionados. With Market Hall offering skate rentals and The Garden by Poco Piatti providing delicious food and drinks, visitors can make the most of their excursion. To top it off, cabanas along the Ribbon provide the perfect spot to relax beside the fire and warm up. This winter marks the first official ice skating season, and reservations are now being taken. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

Jeff Koons’ Balloon Monkey (Magenta): A Paradoxical Representation

Visitors to the Libbey Court are awed by the towering presence of Jeff Koons’ Balloon Monkey (Magenta). This masterful sculpture serves as a paradoxical representation of complexity and simplicity, playfulness and seriousness, and pop culture. At 8,000 pounds, this installation is an impressive sight to behold and a popular choice for Instagram. It offers a unique and thought-provoking look into the world of American art, showcasing more than 80 pieces from the TMA collection while confronting misconceptions and showcasing lesser-known narratives. It invites visitors to share their input to shape future installations.

Las Curiosas is a remarkable series of sculptures created by artist Melissa Ginsberg to commemorate the curanderas and curiosas from Mishquiyacu, Peru. These healers provide invaluable alternative medicine in remote communities where access to hospitals and doctors is scarce. With a deep respect for their practice and ancestral knowledge, Ginsberg has crafted a unique immersive installation that celebrates their healing capabilities. Through this site-specific art piece, she has masterfully used machine learning to simulate a natural dawn chorus, evoking the daily call and response shared by birds in the spring and summer. The symbolism of the region’s location on spring migration flyways serves as an important reminder of the importance of protecting bird populations from human action.

Visitors to Las Curiosas can feel the positive energy emanating from Melissa Ginsberg’s beautiful work, and find joy in honoring the curanderas and curiosas of Mishquiyacu.

Uncover the Wonders of Ultimate Dinosaurs

Discover the wonders of the Ultimate Dinosaurs, a new breed of beasts that have evolved in isolation in South America, Africa, and Madagascar. From the tiny to the massive, these species have never been seen before and offer an awe-inspiring insight into the world of paleontology. Uncover significant dinosaur discoveries from the last two decades and witness a whole new level of grandeur.

Great Black Swamp Brewing Company

The Great Black Swamp Brewing Company is the second oldest brewery in the area and has recently opened a new location in south Toledo. Featuring an impressive 22 taps, of wine, liquor, a brewery, and a tavern, it also boasts one of the largest patios around. Earnest Brew Works Westgate is the third location to open this year, located in the Westgate Meadows business plaza and offering 18 beers on draft. Wild Side Downtown offers an experience like no other; believing great craft beer requires more than just water, malt, hops, and yeast, they pair their craft cocktails and Detroit-style pizza with an enjoyable atmosphere.

Dave’s Turkey Chase 5K

This Thanksgiving, Toledo is home to an array of delicious eats and festive family fun. The annual Dave’s Turkey Chase 5K is the perfect opportunity to get in the holiday spirit with a 5K, one-mile walk, kids run, and virtual option for those who cannot join in person. All proceeds benefit Cherry Street Mission Ministries. For those looking to dine in or pre-order their Thanksgiving meal, establishments like Erie Street Rocks (117 N Erie St, Toledo, OH), Ottawa Tavern (1815 Adams St, Toledo, OH), Toledo Spirits (1301 N Summit St, Toledo, OH), Ye Olde Cock n Bull (9 N Huron St, Toledo, OH), and PizzaPapalis are all great options. Celebrate this Thanksgiving in the heart of Toledo!

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Maumee Bay Brewing Co.

Maumee Bay Brewing Co. is proud to announce its annual Thanksgiving buffet on November 23rd! Guests can enjoy a delicious feast with all the trimmings, and avoid the hassle of cooking in the kitchen. Plus, Maumee Bay State Park and Lodge are hosting a special Thanksgiving meal for everyone to enjoy.

On Friday, November 24th, Ohio and Michigan fans alike will come together for the first-ever Rally of the Rivals. This historic event will celebrate the 200-year-old border battle between the Buckeyes and Wolverines and recognize one of the biggest rivalries in college sports.

As part of the festivities, the Toledo Walleye will take on the Kalamazoo Wings in a thrilling hockey match. To make the experience even more special, fans can stay in their seats during the first intermission as 2,000 turkey hats will be dropped from the ceiling around the arena! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to show your support and join in on the fun.

Las Curiosas, Jeff Koons’ Balloon Monkey (Magenta), and The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark are just three examples of remarkable installations. Each brings something distinct to the world of public art, allowing visitors a fresh take on sculptural works from artists across the world. Not only do these powerful sculptures intrigue us with their thought-provoking messages, but they also emphasize the importance of our planet’s biodiversity, cultural values, and art in ways unknown yet vital to humanity. Invite deeper thoughts beyond what is seen and let each piece speak to you to generate personal growth and understanding. As we visit each of these masterpieces, it is no wonder why the power of successful installations will drive artistic endeavors far into the future.

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