Letter from Alicia Kelso, editor of CityScene

In 1999, when CityScene first came hot off the press, the Columbus Crew still played games at the ‘Shoe; the Arena District had half the size (and buzz) it does now; and there were no street arches in the Short North. Polaris Fashion Place and I-670 didn’t exist; many of us did our grocery shopping at Big Bear; and Easton Towne Center’s doors opened for the very first time.

The Buckeye football team had an unusually dismal season, finishing 8th in the Big Ten with an overall 6-6 record. But the OSU basketball team provided some redemption, making it to the Final Four.

The world’s population reached 6 billion people in 1999. In Central Ohio, while seemingly every other mid-major city in the Midwest experienced a loss in population and a “brain drain” of young professionals, we were (and continue to be) growing steadily. Perhaps it’s because people realize we have a lot to celebrate in Columbus.

We’ve been named a top arts destination, singles destination, retirement destination, sports fan destination, golf destination, and technology destination, among others.

We have the best library system in the country. We have the number one ranked science museum in the nation, and we have a horticultural/educational institution showcasing exhibitions and exclusive Dale Chihuly art.

We have a nationally-renowned art museum and center for the arts. We have countless galleries and a group of artists working tirelessly to ensure everyone outside of Columbus recognizes the city as “The Independent Arts Capital of the World.” Yes, we Columbus-ites have much to celebrate.

We have an opera and a symphony that both rebounded with vigor, because our community believes these entities help Columbus to continue growing with vibrancy and culture. And, our own BalletMet was invited to perform at the prestigious Joyce Theater in New York!

We schedule Broadway shows with shiny, new Tony Awards. We have concerts and performances wooed by the entertainment-savvy CAPA organization. We have drama, from CATCO to the Columbus Children’s Theatre to Shadowbox. We have smooth music infusing our city, thanks to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. We have historical and conveniently close venues downtown, not to mention numerous smaller spots that bring in national acts and city parks that host musical groups, poetry readings and community-organized Shakespeare productions.

We have world-renowned chefs – including the captain of the U.S. Culinary Team – in world-renowned restaurants all over the city. We are the home of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Wendy’s, Donatos, White Castle, Bob Evans, Jeni’s Ice Cream and the North Market. We have Irish pubs, martini, wine and whiskey bars, microbreweries and college dives.

We have the highest enrollment university in the country and numerous four and two-year institutions, including a prominent arts and design school. Our fanaticism is no longer limited to Football Saturdays. We also have the Blue Jackets, the Destroyers, the Clippers and the Crew. We have much to cheer for, and we have much to celebrate.

Once we shopped at Northland, Southland, Westland or Eastland. Now we have Easton, Polaris, Tuttle Mall, Worthington Square Mall, Shoppes at River Ridge, Shops on Lane and bountiful boutiques along High Street.

We can celebrate the fact that it’s nearly impossible to be uninterested in anything going on at any given time in Columbus. If you’re bored, you’re not paying attention.

We at CityScene also have plenty to celebrate as we mark our 10th year of publication. We’ll commemorate the milestone throughout the year with three more special issues, focusing on our city’s compelling arts, memorable entertainment and distinctive style.

Year 10 for a local publishing company is a special milestone, indeed. For CityScene, it’s a testament to our readers and their commitment to the pulse and personality of Columbus. Their loyalty to our editorial, design and advertisers for an entire decade symbolizes an active and vested interest in their community – their desire to not only know what is going on, but to take pride and participate in what is going on.

We hope you’ll enjoy celebrating with us throughout the year, and will continue reading and participating long after.