RIDE & DRIVE EVENTS, FAMILY ACTIVITIES & HUNDREDS OF AUTOMOBILES AWAIT PUBLIC AT COLUMBUS INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW MARCH 15-18

(Columbus, March 12, 2018)  — Multiple ride & drive events, activities for the entire family and hundreds of the latest makes and models of automobiles await the public at the Columbus International Auto Show from March 15-18 at the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC).

“This year’s exciting show will feature vehicle giveaways, electric cars added to the expanded ride & drive opportunities, and the Kids PitStop,” said Leslie Fulford, media representative for the event.

Attendees visiting the show presented by Huntington and the Columbus Automobile Dealers Association will have the chance to:

  • Enter to win a two-year lease on a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox LT
  • See the 2018 JEEP Wrangler Hands on Competition
  • Participate in the RAM Truck Experience, Toyota Drive Center, Subaru Indoor/Outdoor Ride & Drive, Honda Indoor/Outdoor Ride & Drive, and Smart Columbus Ride & Drive Roadshow featuring electric vehicles
  • Enjoy the Kids PitStop featuring a playground, basketball court, Power Wheels Race Track, photo scavenger hunt, and appearances at selected times by Matt the Balloon Guy, Face Doodles By Jen and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium animal visitors
  • Enter the But First…Let Me Take A Selfie! social media contest to win a gas card
  • Explore Towables Boulevard, the Arthritis Foundation Classics collection of cars and trucks and Luxury Lane upscale vehicles
  • View the Rolling Big Power truck

Show hours for the public are:

  • Thursday, March 15 – noon to 9 p.m.
  • Friday, March 16 – noon to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 17 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 18 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission for ages 10 and over is $8 online and $10 at the box office.  Students with valid school identification are admitted for $5. Seniors age 65 and over are admitted for $8.  Children age 9 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult paying admission.

Additionally, the Charity Gala the evening of March 16 will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, Childhood League Center, and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Last year, local charities were the beneficiaries of the record-setting $165,000 raised during the gala.

For more information, visit www.columbusautoshow.com.

“The Columbus International Auto Show has experienced record attendance during the past five years and provides a great opportunity for families to check out all the latest makes and models of cars and trucks, sit in and explore their favorite vehicles and participate in the ride & drive festivities,” said GCCC General Manager John R. Page. “The dealers also have a philanthropic spirit woven into their show with the Charity Gala annually raising tens of thousands of dollars to benefit local organizations caring for residents in need.”