Cupcake competition seeks amateur bakers
Amateur bakers are sought for the Sweet Life Cupcake Competition, which will benefit the Friends of the Mahoning Valley Birth Center.
Bakers can compete in five cupcake categories: classic, health nut, savory, theme and freestyle. A separate competition will be held for professional bakers.
The competition will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the B&O Station Banquet Hall, 530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. Deadline for registration is Feb. 1. Tickets prices are $7 in advance and $10 at the door for adults and $4 in advance and $5 at the door for children ages 4-10. For more information, call 330-519-5772.
MetroParks receive grant
The Mill Creek Park Foundation was awarded a $6,439 grant from the Thomases Family Endowment, a component of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, to purchase play equipment for the new Children's Play Area at the James L. Wick Recreation Area.
The grant will be used to acquire the Peak Natural Climbing Rock for the Tot Play Area. The Mill Creek Park Foundation supports the mission of Mill Creek MetroParks through the purchase or improvement of land or facilities.
The first portion of the new play area should be open this spring.
Montessori school plans gala
Tickets are on sale now for the Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley's annual gala on Feb. 2 at the Georgetown, 5945 South Ave., Boardman.
Festivities start at 6:30 p.m., and the event includes dinner and a murder mystery theater production.
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling the school at 330-788-4622 or online at www.montessori-youngstown.com. The gala is for adults, and children ages 17 and younger will not be admitted.
Frostbite Footrace returns to Sharon
The 25th Frostbite Foodtaste Footrace will be tonight in downtown Sharon, Pa.
Participants trek to participating locations on foot for free food tastings and drink specials. Registration is from 4 to 6 p.m. at Quaker Steak & Lube, and stops this year include The A.C.T. Inc., The Russian Club, Billy's Black & Gold, Our Gang's Lounge, Side Pocket Cafe, The Marigold, The Other Side, Quaker Steak & Lube, Tailgate Party at the Sugar Shack and Tully's.
The entry fee is $12 and proceeds benefit The Prince of Peace Center's Help Heat Homes Program. The first 600 people to sign up get a free souvenir hat and t-shirt. For more information, call 724-981-WING.
'50 Shades' spoof opens in Cleveland
''Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody'' opens today for a two-week run at the Hanna Theatre, 2014 14th St., Cleveland.
The show is described as a re-imagining of the characters from E.L. James' best-selling novels and features comedy, musical numbers and sexy and fun performances from the hunky leading man.
The show runs through Jan. 27. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $10 to $45 and are available at www.playhousesquare.org and by calling 216-241-6000