Cincinnati to Host World Choir Games

The 2012 World Choir Games (WCG), the largest choral competition in the world, will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio from July 4 to 14, 2012 – the first time the event will have been held in North America. It has previously been held in Austria, Germany, China and South Korea.

The WCG takes place every two years and is the signature event of Interkultur, a Germany-based organization that produces international choral events. Inspired by the Olympic ideal, the goal of the WCG is to unite people from all nations through singing in peaceful competition.

The 2012 World Choir Games is expected to host 400 choirs from more than 70 countries; bring together 20,000 participants, including performers, staff, delegations and international jury members; and deliver up to 200,000 spectators at the WCG events.

There will be 23 different musical categories evaluated by an impartial international jury. The categories: Children’s Choirs, Young Children’s Choirs, Youth Choirs of Equal Voices, Mixed Youth Choirs, Male Choirs, Male Chamber Choirs, Young Male Choirs, Mixed Boys Choirs, Female Choirs, Female Chamber Choirs, Mixed Choirs, Mixed Chamber Choirs, Musica Sacra, Music of Religions, Contemporary Music, Popular Choral Music, Folklore, Scenic Folklore (with choreography), Show Choir, Jazz, Gospel, Spiritual and Barbershop.

The World Choir Games is divided into two weeks. There will be Opening Ceremonies in Cincinnati USA on July 4 and 10, 2012. There will be Closing Ceremonies on July 8 and 14, 2012. Of the estimated 400+ choirs participating, close to 50% will compete in each week. A handful of choirs may perform across the two weeks.

For more information about top events in Ohio take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio.

For more information on the 2012 World Choir Games visit www.2012worldchoirgames.com

Skiing, Sledding, Skating in Wintertime Cleveland Plus

Winter in Cleveland, Ohio is about more than just sweaters, scarves, mittens and boots. Winter is a time to experience the best of the season in a region that truly embraces the weather. So, whether they're racing down a 1,000-foot-long ice chute or cheering on the city's ice hockey team, visitors should know there's no better time to experience the unexpected side of Cleveland Plus than in the wintertime.

There are a number of festivals and events, among them, on February 19, the Brite Winter, a local festival held celebrating winter on the Cuyahoga River. This year, the Brite Winter festival, held at the newly created Rivergate Park adjacent to Hart Crane Memorial Park in the Flats, features a bonfire with marshmallows, a wintry mini-golf course, food, beverages and live music all outdoors.

From February 26 to March 6 the Greater Cleveland Auto Show is an exciting ten-day event held at the I-X Center that features more than 1,000 production, concept and classic vehicles. This includes domestic and imported vehicles, sport utility vehicles, mini vans and experimental, never-been-seen-before vehicles for enthusiasts alike. In addition to the cars and other vehicles, the auto show features celebrity sports figures and autograph signings

The Cleveland International Film Festival from March 21 to April 3 features two weeks of more than 250 films originating from nearly 80 countries. Visiting filmmakers, panel discussion and student screenings are all festival highlights.

For more information about top events in Ohio take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio.

For more information on Wintertime in Cleveland Plus visit www.positivelycleveland.com

CINCINNATI CELEBRATES FINE WINE AND FOOD

Dating back to its roots as a rowdy town full of German immigrants who celebrated life with song, food and drink, Cincinnati, Ohio, has a standing tradition as a great place to have a good time. Its calendar of festival fun is packed year around.

From March 11 to 13 the city will celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the Cincinnati International Wine Festival – a celebration of fine wine and food. The Festival was founded in 1991 to promote the wine industry and raise funds for local charities.

Four prominent events showcase the festival: the Winery Dinners, the Charity Auction & Luncheon, the Grand Tastings and the Russ Wiles Memorial Golf Tournament. Through these events the Wine Festival has donated almost $3-million dollars to local charities in the past 19 years.

From roller coaster rides to riverboat cruises, Cincinnati also offers something for everyone in the family. Thrill seekers get their fill at Paramount's Kings Island with more than 350-acres of world class thrills including the tallest, fastest and nation's only wooden looping roller coaster. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden houses rare and endangered species in natural habitats; the Cincinnati Museum Center includes three fun-filled museums and an Omnimax Theatre. Across from downtown Cincinnati, nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, the Newport Aquarium has more than 60 exhibits and boasts hundreds of feet of see-through tunnels, including one of the nation's largest open-air shark viewing exhibits.

For more information about top events in Ohio, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-ohio.html

For more information on the Cincinnati International Wine Festival visit www.winefestival.com