200 years is a long time, and as we look back on the legacies of Columbus, there is a lot to love. Over the next year, the 200Columbus team and hundreds of partners are focused on helping more members of the Central Ohio community see how dynamic, fun and interesting we really are. We’ll look into our history, we’ll encourage people to get out and experience Columbus today, and we’ll work hard to carry on a broad, engaging conversation about what we are building for the future. Everyone has a stake in Columbus, and everyone has an opinion. But, we can all agree that this is a special time in our city, and there’s a lot that we can do if we get out and work together.
To get the year going, 200Columbus is dedicating the first few months of the year to a lot of events designed around the idea of honoring our past. In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the city of Columbus on February 14, 1812, we’ve put together a slate of more than 40 events, exhibits and shows taking place around February 14 in a variety of Central Ohio locations, including over a dozen free events. Our partners are everywhere and it’s great to see so many local groups stepping up to celebrate the arts, our neighborhoods and the spirit of Columbus.
One of the big events that will be ticketed is the official fundraiser for the Bicentennial, “200Columbus – THE BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY: A CELEBRATION OF THE CENTURIES,” presented by Grange Insurance on February 10. All proceeds go to support the non-profit group Columbus Bicentennial 2012, whose sole mission is to fill the year with interesting, engaging and accessible events.
The event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center is black tie optional and designed to engage all our five senses with style, décor, entertainment and local flavors. Plans including five-star foods, hand-crafted Bicentennial cocktails using products from Watershed Distillery and entertainment by the Bicentennial Band featuring Conspiracy and Mojoflo performing together with more than 250 guest musicians and vocalists throughout the evening. Performers will include Bobby Floyd, Christian Howes, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, and Shadowbox Live, along with their house band Bill Who? The premiere of the official Bicentennial Anthem will take place while attendees enjoy an amazing 225 feet of 200Columbus cake crafted into local art by Columbus State Community College Major Baking and Pastry Arts Program students. More information can be found at 200columbus.com/birthday.
For a complete list of list of activities in February, including family events at libraries and recreation centers, special arts programs, historic tours and cultural exhibits, visit 200Columbus.com/birthdayevents.
FREE Events include:
- 2012 Bicentennial Artists’ informal
- Columbus Birthday Parties at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Branches
- Celebrate Columbus’ 200th birthday with the Columbus Historical Society and COSI
- WOSU Presents Columbus Neighborhoods: Franklinton/Downtown Premiere
- Columbus State Theatre: Titanic: A Retrospective
- Mayor Coleman’s State of the City Address
- Exhibit: OhioCentric
- Exhibit: Bright, Black and Veiled
- Exhibit: Global Textile Trades
- Exhibit: Object/Imprint
- Finding Time: Columbus Public Art 2012 – Stuart Williams: Breath of Life, Exterior of COSI and Old Central High School
- Exhibit: Tracing Lines Project, OSU Urban Arts Space
