Columbus, OH

If you are a fan of gaming, the Origins International Game Expo is in the Columbus Convention Center/Hyatt Regency this weekend. It features everything from classis board games to the newest in high tech gaming and is one of the largest conventions of its kind.

Origins International Game Expo
Greater Columbus Convention Center/Hyatt Regency
400 N. High St., Columbus

Or if you want to feed your need for speed, head out east once again to the National Trail Raceway, where the American Motorcyclist Association is sponsoring Prostar Cyclefest Drag Racing. You can even get in on the action! See the AMA website for details.

National Trail Raceway
2650 National Rd. SW
Hebron, Ohio

Or if you’ve ever been curious as to just how the Wicked Witch of the West got that way, head to the Ohio Theater for the last weekend of Wicked, a production by Broadway Across America.

Broadway Across America-Columbus: Wicked
Ohio Theatre
39 E. State St., Columbus

Whether Lifetime Fitness is a good deal for healthclubs in Columbus depends on how you like to workout.

If you are a go in, hit the treadmill, pump some free weights and hit the showers at home kind of guy, then Lifetime Fitness, with initiation fees of up to $300 and monthly fees starting at $50 for a single, may not be the best fitness center deal for you.

But, if you are a parent with young children. Or someone who likes to have lots of classes and amenities at your disposal. Or someone who just needs somewhere really nice to pursue your fitness goals, then Lifetime may just be the place for you.

Over the years I have belonged to several gyms, including small private ones and national chains like Bally’s. Lifetime is the nicest gym I have ever belonged to.

Once you get past the sometimes awful initiation fees (there are many discounts available so if you are signing up make sure you ask) the 50 or so bucks a month isn’t all that bad when you consider everything you get for that price.

This is the best maintained fitness facility in Columbus. Lockers and towels are included in the membership price. There is enough equpment that you never have to wait to work out. There are classes going on pretty much all day in two studios, and several throughout the day in the pool. Downstairs, there are basketball courts, raquetball courts & a climbing wall.

Lifetime also runs special classes for both children and adults that you can sign up for. And for parents, Lifetime has the best day care area I have ever seen at a gym. There are computers, traditional play areas and a kid size basketball court. In addition, lifetime runs summer day camps for kids in lots of different age groups.

There are men’s, women’s and family locker rooms, A lap pool and a leisure pool with slide, two large jacuzzis set to two temperatures, a large sauna, tanning and steam rooms. (I have only been to the Easton location, but Lifetime’s new location on Hard Rd. also has an outdoor pool.)

Finally, Lifetime also has massage therapists & the LifeSpa where you can get your hair and nails done. You can schedule a corporate teambuilding session, or your kid’s birthday party there, and of course they have tons of personal trainers.

Lifetime Fitness
Easton Town Center
3900 Easton Station
Columbus, OH 43219
614-428-6000

First, a word about the Boom, I have been going to Red, White and Boom practically since it’s inception and I must say last night’s display was the best I have ever seen. Simply Amazing.

And now other places to celebrate the birth of our nation . . .

FIREWORKS

Bexley 10 Jeffrey Park

Delaware 9:45 Ohio Wesleyan

Dublin 9:45 Dublin Coffman High School

Gahanna 10 Gahanna Golf Course

Groveport 9:30 Groveport Elementary

Hilliard 9:45 Hilliard Park

Johnstown 9:30 Johnstown High School

Lancaster 10 Fairfield Co. Fairgrounds

Marysville 9:30 Union Co. Fairgrounds

New Albany 9:30 New Albany High

Newark 9:30 T.J. Evans Athletic Complex

Pickerington 10 Victory Park

Sunbury 10 Big Walnut High School

Upper Arlington 9:30 Northam Park

Westerville 10 Alum Creek State Park

Whitehall 10 John Bishop Park

Worthington 10 Thomas Worthington High School

OTHER CELEBRATIONS

Bexley’s 4th. of July celebrations are legendary, with a parade starting at 9:45 AM and events at Jeffrey Park all day.

Granville (east of Columbus in Licking Co.) does the 4th. of July up right with an old fashioned street fair and events all day.

Or, just for kicks, head down to the Short North area, and watch the Doo Dah Parade, starting at 1:00 pm.

This may seem like a repeat of yesterday, and I guess in some ways it is. But today what’s going on in Columbus is the Boom! If you don’t know what I mean, head down to the riverfront, where some people have been hanging out since 6 AM.

Until dark, enjoy these You Tube videos.

Tomorrow night the largest fireworks display in the Midwest will light up the riverfront as over half a million people gather to watch Columbus’ Red, White and Boom!

If you have never seen it, this display rivals those of New York City, Disney and even Washington DC.

Parking is all but non-existant if you arrive late, and getting out of the area afterward is slow going. So, check COTA and park in one of the “park and ride” areas.

Take a radio with fresh batteries to listen to WNCI’s soundtrack. Bring your wallet and your appetite as there are tons of vendors offering great local grub.

See you at The Boom!