Each year, Columbus and central Ohio celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with free cultural activities, a march from city hall to Veterans Memorial, and other commemorative events. This year (2011), Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 17. Some of the area events include:

• January 17, 730am - Annual MLK Jr. Day breakfast at the Columbus Convention Center. Keynote speaker is Dr. James C. Perkins, the pastor of Detroit's Greater Christ Baptist Church. Tickets are $35; call 614 252-0868 for information.
  
  
• January 17, 445pm - March from City Hall to Veterans Memorial Auditorium in the annual "Celebrate the Legacy" event.
  
  
• January 17, noon to 4pm - Cultural celebration at the King Arts Complex, 867 Mount Vernon Ave.; theater presentations, art exhibits, craft projects and a talk by King's first cousin, the Reverend Joel L. King Jr.

For More about Dr. Martin Luther King, see:

• Profile of Dr. King
• Listen to Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech
• Dr. King's views on non-violent change

by Sandy Mitchell

^{(public domain photo)}

The Columbus Zoo is offering free admission to everyone on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 17, 2011. The park is open from 10am to 4pm and parking is an additional $5 per vehicle.

The zoo also offers half-off admission during the months of January and February, which makes the fee $6.50 for guests ages 10-59 and $4 for those age 60 and older and between 2 and 9 years of age.

by Sandy Mitchell

^{(photo courtesy of the Columbus Zoo)}

The OSU Buckeyes prevailed against the Arkansas Razorbacks Tuesday in New Orleans in the Sugar Bowl. After OSU led at halftime 28-10, Arkansas came back to finish the game 31-26, but the Buckeyes led from their first possession. It was the Buckeyes first bowl win against a Southeast Conference opponent in 10 meetings.

Buckeyes quarterback, Terrelle Pryor (above) threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns, completing 14 of 25 passes. He also rushed for 115 yards.

Six OSU players, including Pryor, face NCAA suspensions for the first games of next season for selling team memorabilia against NCAA rules.

by Sandy Mitchell

^{(photo credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)}

Cedar Point is holding auditions for performers, musicians, technicians, and characters at their entertainment office at One Cedar Point Drive in Sandusky, beginning this week. The 364-acre amusement park, located about 2 1/2 hours from Columbus, expects to fill dozens of positions.

If you are interested in auditioning, apply in person on January 7, February 4, March 4, or April 1, 2011 from 11am to 4pm. (You must register by 330pm.) Applicants must be 18 years of age by May, 2011 and able to start work between mid-April and mid-June. For complete details, call 419 627-2388 or visit Cedar Point's website.

by Sandy Mitchell

^{(Logo courtesy of Cedar Point)}