Two hundred years is, at least by American standards, really a rather long time. It’s even more staggering when you think about fitting 200 candles atop a single cake.

The upcoming bicentennial celebration is in honor of the February 14, 1812 founding of the city, a compromise by legislators who previously had fought over locating the capital in either Zanesville or Chillicothe. Funny to think of that now.

But despite the city’s tumultuous beginnings, it has blossomed into the largest and most prosperous in the state, and there is no shortage of celebration planned in honor of its upcoming milestone.

In fact, more than forty such events have already been planned. The early part of the month is marked by the 165th birthday celebration for the neighborhood of Clintonville to be held at Whetstone Recreation Center (February 2nd, 5 p.m.) and the start of nine days of performances put on by BalletMet as part of their “Jazz Moves Columbus” presentation (visit www.balletmet.org for information and show times).

Some events are big, some small. The main birthday bash, taking place on the 10th in the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, has ticket prices starting at $125, and will feature all sorts of live performances and organized entertainment (www.200columbus.com/birthday). Too big a hit on the wallet? Well, they’ll be lighting up the Statehouse and the Nationwide building on the same night. And that’s free.

Even beyond the actual events, businesses around the city are offering special deals to entice people to get out and be social during this special time. February 11th through the 15th have been dubbed ‘Columbus Days,’ during which locals can present a special flyer (available for free on www.200columbusdays.com) and receive discounts on admission to attractions such as the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, COSI, and Franklin Park Conservatory, and good deals at retailers like North Market Spices and Wyandotte Winery.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be honoring special ticket pricing during those days, although the birthday game (Feb. 14th) is scheduled against the St. Louis Blues. It’s probably going to be a tough evening. But hey, all the more reason to get out there and cheer.

In addition to these highlights, the month will feature art exhibits, documentary premieres, special concerts – even a special State of the City address by Mayor Coleman on February 29th. No one in Columbus should want for things to do in the coming weeks. Happy 200th, Cowtown!

For updates and further information on the city’s extensive bicentennial celebration this year, visit www.200columbus.com.