Columbus, Ohio, Is Going All Out With Ameriflora Exhibition

You may not have heard of AmeriFlora '92 yet, but you will soon.

AmeriFlora is the major event in this country to commemorate this year's 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' historic voyage to the New World.

Aptly enough, it will be held in Columbus, Ohio, which lays claim to being the largest city in the world named for the Italian explorer.

More than 4 million visitors are expected to attend the international exposition, which will be held from April 20 to Oct. 12.

AmeriFlora, which has been officially endorsed by the Christopher Columbus Quincentary Jubilee Commission, will have plenty of flora as well as quincentennial attractions.

Located two miles east of downtown Columbus in historic 100-year-old Franklin Park, the $95-million extravaganza will sprawl over 88 manicured acres, just about the same size as Disneyland's Magic Kingdom in California.

Said to be North America's only quincentennial event to feature international and domestic exhibits, AmeriFlora will also stage a first for the United States. From April 20 to May 3, it will be the site of an internationally sanctioned floral and garden design competition, the only one of its kind ever held in this country.

However, even though the exposition will boast some of the country's most lavish landscaping, there also will be a host of other attractions that many visitors might think are more down to earth as far as the quincentennial is concerned.

The six-month expo will not only feature domestic and international exhibits (more than 15 countries plan to take part), but also multimedia attractions and programs.

There will be plenty of entertainment, including marching bands, a daily parade, a 100-year-old carousel and a variety of international restaurants, bazaars, shops and boutiques.

Daily admission will be $19.95 for adults ($16.95 for those 60 and over) and $9.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Kids under 4 get in free.

"Christopher Columbus never got this far into America's heartland, but this celebration by his namesake city will certainly put Columbus, Ohio, on the national and international tourist map," said an upbeat city tourism official.

MORE INFORMATION

-- For information on quincentennial events and general information on visiting Ohio, phone the Ohio state tourism office at 1-800-BUCKEYE.