When it comes to entertainment, The Washington Auto Show® has the whole family in mind. The largest public show in the city, The Washington Auto Show runs from Jan. 27-Feb. 5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and features celebrity guests as well as all the latest vehicles!
Among the stars making special appearances is J.R. Martinez, the newly crowned winner of the hit T.V. show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Martinez will visit the show from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, in honor of The Washington Auto Show’s “Welcome Home Troops!” program. The day’s festivities are open to all show guests, but military personnel and veterans receive free admission. Martinez carries broad appeal as the soldier-turned-actor who inspired millions with his story of survival after suffering severe burns in the Iraq war. Now a motivational speaker, Martinez received the “Unsung Hero” award and served as grand marshal of the New Year’s Day Rose Parade. Additional special events include appearances from:
Washington Auto Show WWE Superstars:
With one of the most instantly recognizable monikers of any grappler in history, WWE® Legend Sgt. Slaughter™ will be joining the show’s “Welcome Home Troops!” tribute from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The former U.S. Marine, who intimidated adversaries and fans alike in his trademark drill sergeant attire, was one of WWE’s most beloved Superstars of the 1980s. After retiring from WWE, he became the celebrity spokesman for Hasbro’s G.I. Joe TV cartoon and toy line, even appearing on screen as a G.I. Joe animated character, further cementing his position as an icon of popular culture. Inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, Sgt. Slaughter currently serves as a WWE Ambassador.
Meet WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 6-8 p.m. Orton claimed the World Heavyweight Championship at the unprecedented age of 24, becoming the “Youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE History.” One of the only third-generation Superstars in WWE history, he is the son of WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton, nephew of Barry “Barry O” Orton and grandson of “The Big O” Bob Orton.
WWE, SGT. SLAUGHTER and RANDY ORTON are trademarks of WWE, Inc. © 2011 WWE, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Washington Auto Show Redskins
Washington Redskins DeAngelo Hall and Lorenzo Alexander will visit the show Mon., Jan. 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. A 2011 Pro Bowl MVP, Cornerback DeAngelo Hall is the 19th player to intercept four passes in a game, and the first since 2001. Newly named the Redskins’ nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year for his charitable contributions, Linebacker and Special Teams Player Lorenzo Alexander provides tutoring and life prep skills through his foundation.
Washington Auto Show Capitals
Hockey fans will have the chance to meet a couple of Caps off the ice on Thursday, Feb. 2 and their illustrious mascots, The Presidents! Get your picture with the larger-than-life mascots, appearing from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Center Brooks Laich, whose teammates recently voted him the best future NHL coach, and beloved defenseman John Carlson will visit the show from 7-8:30 p.m.
Washington Auto Show Traditional Chinese Lion and Dragon Dancers
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at The Washington Auto Show! In honor of Chinese New Year, The Washington Auto Show will host traditional Chinese lion and dragon dancers from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday, Jan. 29. This form of entertainment is popular at weddings, New Year’s celebrations, birthday parties and other joyous occasions. The rich colors, lively performance, incredible stunts, and dramatic gongs and drums create an unforgettable cultural feast of unique sound and sight! These vibrantly costumed dancers also make for a terrific photo opportunity with the whole family! Lions and dragons are believed to be lucky symbols and represent great power, dignity, wisdom and auspiciousness, according to Chinese lore.
Washington Auto Show Playland
Kids can enjoy a town all their own throughout The Washington Auto Show. A special section of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center named “Playland” is filled with games, toys, videos and cuddly mascots on weeknights and weekends. Look out for special appearances throughout the show by beloved PBS characters Princess Presto, Alpha Pig, Wonder Red and Woofster from the hit show SuperWhy! This program is sponsored by local affiliate WHUT.
Washington Auto Show U.S. Army Band Downrange
Don’t miss the top brass when the Downrange pop ensemble performs at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31 to celebrate the show’s “Welcome Home Troops!” tribute. The group gets its name from its start in 2002, when these volunteers were the first members of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” to go “downrange” into a theater of foreign combat operations since World War II. Today, Downrange enjoys great popularity with its audiences, young and old, through its continuously up-to-date repertoire of rock, pop, country, and R & B and, of course, signature patriotic arrangements.
Washington Auto Show And don’t forget the cars!
The 2012 staging of the 70th Washington Auto Show in Washington, DC will offer a showcase of more than 700 vehicles from over 42 domestic and import manufacturers and a special exhibit, “The Advanced Technology SuperHighway.” The 2012 Washington Auto Show: “Safety and Sustainability in Motion” opens to the public from Jan. 27-Feb. 5, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA). Founded in 1917, WANADA represents more than 225 franchised new vehicle dealers and 75 kindred-line members in and around the Capital Beltway, representing the metro area auto market.
Read more about the 2012 Washington Auto Show.
