A Few Things You Might Not Know About the Auto Show!

"Beep, beep. Who's got the keys to the Jeep? Vroooooom!" It's that time of year again! The North American International Auto Show is officially here. Detroiters have the opportunity to check out hundreds of new models of cars as well as what some of the cars of the future could look like.

The media and industry have already seen what is inside the walls of Cobo for this year's show, but starting this Saturday, January 17th the public will get a chance to check it out. Things actually kick off on Friday night with the charity preview night starring the Steve Miller Band. However, tickets for that are $400. So, no offense, but we doubt very many of our readers will be attending that event. However, once the show opens up to the public, you can get in the door for just $13.

Since most of you are already pretty familiar with the Auto Show, we thought we would give you the scoop on a few things that you may not have known about the show.

• There is a Photo Contest that is open to the public! During the public show (January 17th-25th) take your camera to the auto show with you and snap some fancy photos to submit in a number of categories. They include Black & White, Convertibles, Coupes and Cutting Edge Concepts, Coolest Close-up, Electric Vehicles and Luxury. Just take your photos and submit them to the NAIAS website here. Five winners will be chosen and they will win $200 each. 

• There is a Auto Show 5K! The race is called the Auto Show Shuffle and it takes place this Saturday, January 17th. Participants will follow a route along the Detroit River and across the Dequindre Cut starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration is only $30 and you can sign up here. Thursday is the last day to sign up online though! So get on it! 

• On Friday, January 23rd some of your favorite Tigers and the team mascot PAWS will be at the Auto Show. There will be a parade of cars in the show, featuring some players. Then, there will be an interactive Q&A after the parade! Keep an eye on the NAIAS Facebook page for updates on which players will be at the show.  

The North American International Auto Show is held in the Cobo Center at One Washington Blvd. in Detroit. The show will be open to the public daily, from Saturday, January 17th thru Sunday, January 25th. For more info on the NAIAS, click here. 

~C