| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release: February 28, 2012 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
Four Columbus Recreation Centers to Host Free Bicentennial Celebrations
Celebrating 200 Years of Community
In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the city of Columbus, Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City Council, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and 200Columbus are uniting with four neighborhoods to host regional parties at City Recreation Centers. These four, free, public celebrations join with hundreds of 200Columbus events to honor our city’s history, celebrate what we love about Columbus today, and envision the future we are building together.
“We’re going to the heart of our neighborhoods, north, south, east and west, and inviting the public to celebrate Columbus with these special events in our recreation centers,” Mayor Coleman said. “I look forward to cutting great birthday cakes, seeing local youth performances, and enjoying the company of families from across the city.”
Each regional birthday event will be free and open to the public thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mount Carmel Health System, Kroger, White Castle, Floyd Browne Group and CT Consultants. The events will include specially designed Birthday cakes from Kroger, visits from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, refreshments, local entertainment and activities, history discussions and an address from Mayor Coleman.
“The bicentennial is a once in a lifetime chance to celebrate the people, places and things that make Columbus a special community to live and work,” said Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “City Council is proud of the unique partnerships between the City, public, and private organizations that are making these events possible.”
Each of the four recreation centers are planning original programming to highlight neighborhood talent and youth activities, including:
WEST: Dodge Recreation Center, March 14, 2012, (5:30-8:00pm)
667 Sullivant Ave., 614-645-8151
Sponsored by Mt. Carmel Health System and Kroger, the live entertainment starts at 5:30 p.m. with the “Hallow Bodies” self-described as “senior rockers” playing tunes from the 50’s and 60’s. Guests can enjoy animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Dodge Knights cheerleaders, the Dodge senior cloggers and Hugh Dorrian, an area resident and Columbus City Auditor, who will speak about the history of the neighborhood and his childhood memories. The formal program will conclude with Mayor Michael B. Coleman cutting the first slice of cake with refreshments and cake being served in the auditorium where the live entertainment and activities will continue until 8pm.
EAST: Barnett Recreation Center, April 12, 2012, (6:00-8:30pm)
1184 Barnett Rd; 43227; 614-645-3065
Sponsored by Mt. Carmel Health System and Kroger, the east side of town will celebrate at Barnett Community Recreation Center from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, with a variety show showcasing our young citizens’ talent during spring break. Local organizations will provide resources materials and answer questions on opportunities. Refreshments and cake will be served to friends and neighbors to add to the evening fellowship.
SOUTH: Marion Franklin Recreation Center, April 13, 2012, (5:30pm – 9:00pm)
2801 Lockbourne Rd. 43207, 614-645-3160
Sponsored by White Castle and Kroger, a celebration will take place on the south side of town at Marion Franklin Community Recreation Center. The headliner for the evening will be the Dean Simms Trio from Springfield, Ohio offering a variety of genres from soft jazz to line dancing all night long. In between performances, patrons can enjoy food provided by Columbus-based White Castle. The evenings’ historical presentation will be from members of the local Tuskegee Airmen group. Columbus City Councilmember Michelle Mills will be in attendance as well as many area groups.
NORTH: Gillie Recreation Center, April 19, 5:00pm–9:00pm
2100 Morse Rd, 614-645-3106
Like dessert, Gillie has saved the best for last. The final celebration to be held, sponsored by Floyd Browne Group, CT Consultants, White Castle and Kroger will be at the Gillie 50+ Recreation Center. The center will host a fashion show from by-gone eras to present, with headliner Michael Rose, best known for his Elvis impersonations. Columbus City Councilmember Michelle Mills will be on hand for the festivities as well. North side community recreation centers will showcase center programs and activities.
More information and maps to each location are available at: www.200Columbus.com
In addition to the celebrations at local community centers, Columbus-area Kroger stores will host store-wide Celebrate Columbus’ 200th Birthday parties Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the general public invited. Parties will include activities for the whole family, food sampling, giveaways and more. Watch your weekly Kroger ad for details.
Columbus Bicentennial 2012 is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing a robust and transformative commemoration of the city’s bicentennial in 2012 that is a catalyst for greater economic prosperity. The goal for 200Columbus is a community that is more inspired, proud and engaged in their progress and increasing the vitality of Columbus. This will lead to a community that is better recognized locally and globally as one of the best places to live, work and play.
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