GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The 26th annual Michigan International Auto Show gets rolling February 1 in downtown Grand Rapids.
It will run Thursday through Sunday at the DeVos Place convention center. Car manufacturers from across the globe will display their vans, sedans, SUV's, trucks, hybrids and sports cars.
ShowSpan Show Manager Dawn Baker said there will be a Charity Spectacular on January 31st as a preview event to kick things off.
"That's really a night where we celebrate what is being done in our own community by fundraising for Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation," she said.
Baker was a guest on West Michigan's Morning News. The Michigan International Auto Show is presented by the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association.
Tickets cost $12 for adults and $5for children ages 6 through 14.
You'll be able to check out the soon-to-be-released vehicle models at the Michigan International Auto Show. the 10th annual Innovation Awards will be taking place. Eight of the vehicles have either never been seen at the Gilmore Car Museum or have only had a very brief showing.
"So, this is an award that's given to local manufacturing companies that have really brought innovation, creativity, technology to the auto industry," Baker said.
She added that the Gilmore Museum will be bringing two vehicles that will be part of Electric Avenue.
"So, when you see the history of (EV's) ... we're talking electric vehicles way back in the early 1900s," Baker said.
A Padnos Kids Ride and Drive will allow children to "test drive" a mini Jeep, a mini Cooper or Mustang around a test track.
"This gives them a chance to actually drive these little vehicles, which is fun. And it's a good way to take a break ... this gives them a chance to take out some of those wiggles," Baker said.
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