Our fair city is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2012! Bicentennial events are planned all around Columbus, OH. Below is a curated list of my top five. Thanks to travel plans, we will not be able to attend many festivities but we will celebrate in spirit.

200Columbus Best Bicentennial Events

One of our cities most beloved institutions, the Columbus Metro Library, will host birthday parties at all 21 locations at 3 pm on Saturday February 11. Nosh on some cake in your favorite reading spot.

Columbus 2012 Bicentenial Artists' Informal - Saturday, February 11, 7 – 10 PM – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center, 139 W. Main St. A *free* ball celebrating Columbus' history and future as a home for artists.

Shop North Market Spices with a 20% off coupon during 200Columbus Days February 11 - 15. Franklin Park Conservatory, a favorite photography spot pictured at right, is offering $2 off admission. Other shops and activities are discounted too; download a flyer with all the details at the 200Columbus Days website.

Finalists in the Columbus in Song contest will appear on the 200Columbus website February 14. I can't wait to hear how the talent of this city speaks for our home.

Bicentennial State of the City Address - Wednesday, February 29, 6 pm at The Ohio Theater. Join Michael Coleman for the State of the City Address and The Harmony Project who will close the event with an original song "I Call Columbus Home".

Happy Birthday Columbus!