The University Activities Board has planned two diverse events for this weekend.

Students can display their talents and compete with others Friday at “Showtime at the Union: Amateur Night” in the Union Ballroom.

There are four contest categories - dance, poetry, rap and singing - and a prize of $50 will be awarded to the winner within each category.

“It’s a quasi-talent show trying to touch on all the creative avenues of the students on campus,” said Timothy Arbeiter, assistant manager of activities for the board. “We want people to come see or take part in the talent and enjoy themselves.”

In addition to the talent contests, the New York-based Simplified Entertainment disc jockey services will provide an opportunity for those in attendance to create their own compact discs of their performances.

The event will be held from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

On Saturday, the board is celebrating Sweetest Day with singles in mind.

“Sweetest Day, Singles Night - Isn’t it Sweet Being Single?” will be held at 10 p.m. at the International Center.

Activities for the evening include a battle of the sexes game show, palm and tarot card readings, a dance card contest and free roses for the first 100 people.

“It’s going to be so much fun,” said Jodi Hancock, associate manager of the board. “At first, we looked at something for couples, but then we realized that there wasn’t a whole lot for singles to do on Sweetest Day.

“We want people to meet, mingle and have a fun, light and upbeat night.”

Students are allowed to bring one nonstudent guest.

All activities are funded by the University Activities Board and are free of charge for students with a valid MSU ID.

Students are encouraged to sign up for the talent contest prior to the event by sending an e-mail to sargean2@msu.edu.